Cooling cap assembly and cooling unit

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems, and methods herein relate to cooling a head of a patient. These systems and methods may comprise a cooling cap assembly comprising a heat exchanger configured to be wrapped around a head of a patient and a compression assembly releasably coupled to the heat exchanger. The compression assembly may comprise an enclosure and an inflatable member coupled to an internal surface of the enclosure. When coupled, the inflatable member may be positioned between the enclosure and the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be separate from and moveable relative to the inflatable member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/495,370, filed Oct. 6, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/892,198, filed on Jun. 3, 2020, now issued asU.S. Pat. No. 11,141,309, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/856,691, filed on Jun. 3, 2019, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/882,429, filed on Aug. 2, 2019, the contents of eachof which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

Devices, systems, and methods herein relate to reducing a temperature ofa scalp of a patient.

BACKGROUND

Alopecia is a common side effect of chemotherapy and may cause distressfor some patients due to the visible change in appearance and loss of aphysical attribute. For some patients, alopecia due to chemotherapy maylead to depression and therefore impede patient recovery. In response,some patients undergoing chemotherapy receive scalp cooling treatments.However, conventional techniques are not optimized for patient comfortand are typically performed at a treatment center where a technicianensures that a cooling device is properly fitted and used correctly. Assuch, additional devices, systems, and methods for cooling a scalp maybe desirable.

SUMMARY

Described here are devices, systems, and methods for providing coolingto reduce or prevent alopecia associated with chemotherapy. Thesesystems and methods may, for example, increase a contact area between acooling element (e.g., heat exchanger) and a scalp of a patient. Thismay, for example, increase cooling treatment efficiency. Furthermore,the devices and system described herein may be compact and portable suchthat a patient may perform cooling treatment by themselves at theirconvenience (e.g., in their home).

In some variations, a cooling cap assembly may comprise a heat exchangerconfigured to be wrapped around a head of a patient, and a compressionassembly releasably coupled to the heat exchanger. The compressionassembly may comprise an enclosure and an inflatable member coupled toan internal surface of the enclosure. When coupled, the inflatablemember may be positioned between the enclosure and the heat exchanger.The heat exchanger may be separate from and moveable relative to theinflatable member.

In some variations, the inflatable member may comprise a deflatedconfiguration and an inflated configuration. Transitioning theinflatable member from the deflated to the inflated configuration mayincrease a pressure applied to the head of the patient. In somevariations, a fluid pump may be coupled to the inflatable member. Insome variations, the enclosure may be configured to generate a counterpressure when the inflatable member is in the inflated configuration. Insome variations, the compression assembly may be configured to generatefrom about 0.1 lb/in² to about 10 lb/in² of compression to the head whenthe inflatable member is in the inflated configuration.

In some variations, the inflatable member may comprise a plurality ofchambers. In some of these variations, each of the plurality of chambersmay be independently inflatable. In some variations, the inflatablemember may comprise a top inflatable portion, a first inflatable sideportion, and a second inflatable side portion. Each portion may comprisea chamber. In some of these variations, a length of the first inflatableside portion and a length of the second inflatable side portion may beeach more than a length of the top inflatable portion. In somevariations, a length of the first inflatable side portion and a lengthof the second inflatable side portion may be less than a length of thetop inflatable portion. In some variations, the side inflatable portionsof the inflatable member may be configured to adjustably overlap so asto surround at least a portion of the head. In some variations, theinflatable member may comprise a fluid barrier. In some variations, theinflatable member may comprise one or more slits. In some variations,the inflatable member may comprise at least three chambers. In somevariations, the inflatable member may comprise one or more fasteners.

In some variations, the heat exchanger may comprise a base portion, atop portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion. In somevariations, the heat exchanger may comprise a set of fluid barrierswhere each fluid barrier of the set of fluid barriers is about 5 mm toabout 15 mm from an adjacent fluid barrier in the set of fluid barriers.In some barriers, each fluid barrier in the set of fluid barriers maycomprise a diameter of from about 5 mm to about 10 mm. In somevariations, a temperature sensor may be positioned within an opening ofat least one fluid barrier of the set of fluid barriers. In somevariations, at least one fluid barrier of the set of fluid barrierscomprises a torus shape. In some variations, the first side portion maycomprise a first arm and the second side portion may comprise a secondarm.

In some of these variations, the top portion, first side portion, andthe second side portion each comprise a first lobe and a second lobe. Insome of these variations, a length of the first lobes of the firstportion and the second portion may be more than a length of the secondlobes of the first portion and the second portion.

In some variations, each portion of the heat exchanger may comprise atleast a portion of a fluid channel. In some variations, a length of thefirst side portion and the second side portion may be less than a lengthof the top portion. In some variations, an area of either the first sideportion or the second side portion to an area of the top portion may befrom about 2:1 to about 0.5:1. In some variations, the top portion maydefine a longitudinal axis. The first side portion and the second sideportion may extend from the base portion at an acute angle with respectto the longitudinal axis. In some variations, one or more end portionsof the heat exchanger may be configured to adjustably overlap so as tosurround at least a portion of the head. In some variations, the heatexchanger may comprise a flexible material. In some variations, the heatexchanger may comprise a non-woven fabric. In some variations, the heatexchanger may comprise one or more fluid channels each comprising across-sectional area of from about 9 mm² to about 100 mm².

In some variations, one or more sensors may be coupled to the heatexchanger and configured to measure one or more characteristics of thecompression assembly. In some of these variations, the one or moresensors may comprise a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. In someof these variations, the heat exchanger may comprise at least one sensorin each of the portions of the heat exchanger. In some variations, theheat exchanger may comprise a fastener.

In some variations, the enclosure may comprise a rigid or a semi-rigidmaterial. In some variations, the enclosure may be configured tosurround at least a portion of the inflatable member. In somevariations, the enclosure may define a cavity configured to surround atleast a portion of the inflatable member. In some variations, theenclosure may comprise a hemispherical shell. In some variations, theenclosure may comprise a helmet. In some of these variations, theenclosure may further comprises a flexible cover. In some variations,the enclosure may comprise a fastener configured to couple to theinflatable member. In some of these variations, the flexible cover maycomprise a fastener. In some variations, the enclosure may define acavity configured to receive the head of a patient.

In some variations, a liner may be configured to be disposed between theheat exchanger and a scalp of the patient. A fastener may be releasablycoupled to the compression assembly and the patient. In some of thesevariations, the liner may comprise a flexible material.

In some variations, a cooling unit fluidly may be coupled to thecompression assembly. The cooling unit may comprise a fluid connectorreleasably coupled to the heat exchanger, a compressor, a reservoir, anda pump. In some of these variations, the cooling unit may comprise ahousing, a battery, and a fluid reservoir releasably coupled to thehousing. In some of these variations, the cooling unit may be configuredto circulate a fluid through the heat exchanger. In some of thesevariations, the fluid may comprise one or more of water (e.g., liquidwater and ice) and salt, water and glycol, and water and alcohol, whichmay lower a freezing point of the fluid. In some variations, a ratio ofwater to alcohol may be from about 20:1 to about 5:1.

In some variations, a cooling cap assembly may comprise a heat exchangerconfigured to be wrapped around a head of a patient. A compressionassembly may be releasably coupled to the heat exchanger. Thecompression assembly may comprise an enclosure and an inflatable membercoupled to an internal surface of the enclosure. When coupled, theinflatable member may be positioned between the enclosure and the heatexchanger. The heat exchanger may be separate from and moveable relativeto the inflatable member. Transitioning the inflatable member from adeflated configuration to an inflated configuration may increase acontact area between the heat exchanger and to the head of the patient.

Also described here are methods. In some variations, a method of coolinga scalp of a head to reduce hair loss resultant from chemotherapy maycomprise wrapping a heat exchanger around a portion of the scalp, andplacing a compression assembly on the head and over the wrapped heatexchanger. The compression assembly may comprise a semi-rigid outermember and an inflatable inner member coupled to the outer member. Theinflatable member may be inflated to compress the heat exchanger betweenthe inflatable member and the scalp.

In some variations, the heat exchanger may be separate from and moveablerelative to the inflatable member. In some variations, the inflatablemember may transition from a deflated to an inflated configuration toincrease a pressure applied to the head. In some variations, a counterpressure may be generated using the outer member when the inflatablemember is in an inflated configuration. In some variations, from about0.1 lb/in² to about 10 lb/in² of compression may be generated to thehead when the inflatable member is in an inflated configuration. In somevariations, the inflatable member may comprise a plurality ofindependently inflatable chambers. In some variations, a liner may beplaced around the portion of the scalp such that the heat exchanger maybe positioned between the liner and the inflatable member.

In some variations, the heat exchanger may comprise a base portion, atop portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion. Ends ofthe first side portion and the second side portion may be placed overone another. An end of the top portion may be placed over the ends ofthe first side portion and the second side portion so as to surround atleast the portion of the scalp.

In some variations, the inflatable member may be inflated with a gas ora liquid. In some variations, the inflatable member may be inflatedusing a hand pump. In some variations, a fluid may be circulated throughthe heat exchanger. The fluid may comprise a temperature of from about−10° C. to about 5° C. In some variations, the heat exchanger may beremoved from the scalp using the compression assembly. In some of thesevariations, the heat exchanger may be placed back onto the scalp usingthe compression assembly. In some variations, a fastener may releasablyattach the compression assembly to the scalp.

Also described here are devices. In some variations, a cooling capassembly may comprise a flexible heat exchanger configured to removeheat from a scalp of a patient. The heat exchanger may comprise atemperature sensor. An inflatable member may comprise a pouch having atop surface and a bottom surface wherein the bottom surface isreleasably coupled to the heat exchanger. A pump may be configuredinflate the pouch. An outer shell may be coupled to the top surface ofthe pouch of the inflatable member. A cooling unit may be fluidlycoupled to the heat exchanger. A memory may comprise instructions toreceive a temperature from the temperature sensor and adjust an outputof the pump based on the temperature.

In some variations, the output of the pump may be an inflation pressure.In some variations, the temperature may be a scalp temperature. In somevariations, the temperature sensor may be disposed on an externalsurface of the heat exchanger, within the heat exchanger, or within afluid channel of the heat exchanger. In some variations, the heatexchanger may comprise one or more fluid channels comprising circulatingfluid. In some of these variations, the temperature may be a fluidtemperature.

In some variations, the temperature sensor may comprise a set oftemperature sensors, the temperature may comprise a set of temperatures,and the pouch may comprise a set of chambers. The memory may compriseinstructions to independently adjust an inflation pressure of eachchamber of the pouch based on the set of temperatures.

In some variations, the cooling unit may be portable. In somevariations, the cooling unit may comprise a releasable fluid reservoir.In some variations, the fluid reservoir may comprise a handle. In somevariations, the cooling unit may comprise an adjustable handle. In somevariations, the cooling unit may comprise a battery.

Also described here methods. In some variations, a method of controllingcooling of a scalp of a head of a chemotherapy patient comprisingapplying a cooling cap to the head. The cooling cap may comprise aflexible heat exchanger comprising a temperature sensor. An inflatablemember may be releasably coupled to the heat exchanger. A shell may becoupled to the inflatable member. The inflatable member may comprise apouch and a pump in fluid communication with the pouch to increase aninflation pressure of the pouch. A temperature may be measured using thetemperature sensor. The inflation pressure of the pouch may be adjustedusing the pump based on the measured temperature.

In some variations, the temperature may be a scalp temperature. In somevariations, the temperature sensor may be on an external surface of theheat exchanger, within the heat exchanger, or within a fluid channel ofthe heat exchanger. In some variations, the heat exchanger may compriseone or more fluid channels comprising circulating fluid. In some ofthese variations, the temperature may be a fluid temperature. In somevariations, the temperature sensor may comprise a set of temperaturesensors, the temperature may comprise a set of temperatures, and thepouch may comprise a set of chambers, and the method comprisesindependently adjusting an inflation pressure of each chamber of thepouch based on the set of temperatures.

In some variations, the heat exchanger may be separate from and moveablerelative to the inflatable member. In some variations, transitioning theinflatable member from a deflated to an inflated configuration mayincrease a pressure applied to the head. In some variations, a counterpressure may be generated using the shell when the inflatable member isin an inflated configuration. In some variations, from about 0.1 lb/in²to about 10 lb/in² of compression to the head may be generated when theinflatable member is in an inflated configuration. In some variations,the inflatable member may comprise a plurality of independentlyinflatable chambers.

In some variations, a liner may be placed around the portion of thescalp such that the heat exchanger is between the liner and theinflatable member. In some variations, the heat exchanger may comprise abase portion, a top portion, a first side portion, and a second sideportion. The first side portion and the second side portion may beplaced over each other. The top portion may be placed over the firstside portion and the second side portion so as to surround at least theportion of the scalp.

In some variations, the pouch may comprise a fluid comprising a gas or aliquid. In some variations, a fluid may be circulated through the heatexchanger. The fluid may comprise a temperature of from about −10° C. toabout 5° C. In some variations, the compression assembly may be attachedto the scalp using a fastener.

In some variations, a cooling cap assembly may comprise a flexible heatexchanger configured to remove heat from a scalp of a patient, aninflatable member releasably coupled to the heat exchanger, an outershell coupled to the inflatable member, a cooling unit fluidly coupledto the heat exchanger, the cooling unit configured to determine a powersource and to circulate fluid through the heat exchanger, and a memorycomprising instructions to adjust a fluid flow rate of the cooling unitbased on the determined power source. In some variations, the powersource may comprise one or more of an AC power source and DC powersource.

In some variations, a method of controlling cooling of a scalp of a headof a chemotherapy patient may comprise applying a cooling cap to thehead. The cooling cap may comprise a flexible heat exchanger, aninflatable member releasably coupled to the heat exchanger, and a shellcoupled to the inflatable member. The method may include the steps ofcirculating temperature-controlled fluid through the heat exchangerusing a cooling unit comprising a plurality of operation states,identifying a power source of the cooling unit, and selecting theoperation state of the cooling unit based on the identified powersource.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1C are block diagrams of an illustrative variation of acooling cap assembly. FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of anillustrative variation of a cooling cap assembly.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2E, 2F, and 2G are schematic views of an illustrativevariation of a heat exchanger. FIGS. 2C and 2D are schematic views of anillustrative variation of a heat exchanger placed on a scalp of apatient. FIGS. 2H-2L are plan views of an illustrative variation ofsteps in assembling a heat exchanger. FIG. 2M is a plan view of anillustrative variation of a fluid flow pattern of a heat exchanger. FIG.2N depicts schematic views of an illustrative variation of fasteners ofa heat exchanger.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are plan views of an illustrative variation of aninflatable member. FIG. 3C is a plan view of an illustrative variationof an inflatable member and a pump. FIG. 3D is a perspective view of anillustrative variation of an inflatable member held in an enclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an illustrative variation of anenclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an illustrative variation of a flexiblecover.

FIG. 6 is a schematic depiction of an illustrative variation of aportable cooling process.

FIGS. 7A-7F are perspective views of an illustrative variation of acooling cap assembly process.

FIGS. 8A-8E are perspective views of an illustrative variation of acooling cap assembly process.

FIGS. 9A-9F are perspective views of an illustrative variation of acooling cap assembly process.

FIG. 10 is a set of plots of sensor and power measurements of anillustrative variation of a cooling cap assembly.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic views of illustrative variations of aheat exchanger. FIG. 11C is an image of an illustrative variation of aheat exchanger.

FIGS. 12A is a schematic view of an illustrative variation of aninflatable member. FIG. 12B is a bottom view of an illustrativevariation of an inflatable member in a first configuration held in anenclosure. FIG. 12C is a bottom view of an illustrative variation of aninflatable member in a second configuration held in an enclosure. FIG.12D is an image of illustrative variations of an inflatable member in afirst and a second configuration.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an illustrative variation of anenclosure

FIGS. 14A-14F are perspective views of an illustrative variation of acooling cap.

FIGS. 15A-15K are external views of an illustrative variation of acooling unit. FIGS. 15L-15N are exploded perspective views of anillustrative variation of a cooling unit.

FIGS. 16A-16D are internal views of an illustrative variation of acooling unit.

FIG. 17 is a state diagram of an illustrative variation of a coolingprocess.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described here are systems and devices for reducing a temperature of apatient's head, and in particular, cooling a scalp of a patient using acooling cap assembly. A cooling cap assembly may comprise, for example,a heat exchanger configured to remove heat from a scalp of a patient,and a compression assembly separate from and releasably coupled to theheat exchanger. For example, the compression assembly may comprise aninflatable member coupled to a rigid outer shell where the inflatablemember may inflate to apply pressure to the heat exchanger and increasea contact area between the heat exchanger and scalp. These systems anddevices may generate sensor data to control one or more of a temperatureof a cooling fluid and the force applied by the compression assemblyplaced over the heat exchanger.

Also described here are methods of assembling a cooling cap assembly andusing the cooling cap assembly to cool a patient's scalp. Methods ofassembling a cooling cap assembly may include wrapping a heat exchangeraround a portion of a head and placing a compression assembly over theheat exchanger. The cooling cap assembly may be adjusted to each patientto improve one or more of fit, comfort, and cooling effectiveness orheat transfer. In some variations, the assembled cooling cap assemblymay form a friction fit with the compression assembly such that thecooling cap assembly may be removed from a patient's head as a singleunit once a treatment session has been completed and optionallyreapplied as a single unit for one or more subsequent treatmentsessions. Generally, methods of using a cooling cap assembly maycomprise circulating fluid through a heat exchanger coupled to a scalpof a patient and controlling an inflation pressure of an inflatablemember coupled to the heat exchanger based on one or more temperatureand/or force (e.g., pressure) measurements.

Cooling Cap Assembly

The cooling cap assemblies described here may be configured to be placedon a patient's head to remove heat from a patient's scalp. The patientmay be able to adjust each portion of the cooling cap assembly topersonalize the fit and comfort of the cooling cap assembly.Furthermore, the compression provided by the cooling cap assembly to thehead may be adjusted for one or more of cooling effectiveness andpatient comfort. Some patients may begin a cooling treatment sessionwithin a clinical setting (e.g., infusion center) using the cooling capassemblies described herein. Moreover, the cooling cap assembly may beportable such that the patient may perform a cooling treatment sessionoutside of a clinical setting (e.g., at home) and/or may begin,continue, or finish a cooling treatment session when traveling to orfrom a clinical setting (e.g., when traveling from home to a clinicalsetting or vice versa). The cooling cap assemblies may generallycomprise a liner, a flexible heat exchanger, a compression assembly, anda cover. The compression assembly may comprise an inflatable member andan enclosure. For example, the heat exchanger may be separate from andmoveable relative to the inflatable member. In some variations, thecooling cap assemblies may comprise and one or more sensors, which maybe communicatively coupled (e.g., wired or wirelessly) to a controller.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a variation of a cooling system (100)comprising a cooling cap assembly (110) and a cooling unit (150). Thecooling cap assembly (110) may be configured to be removeably placed ona scalp of a patient and to decrease the surface temperature of a scalpduring, for example, a chemotherapy treatment. As shown there, thecooling cap assembly (110) may comprise a liner (112), a flexible heatexchanger (120), and a compression assembly (145), a cover (114), andone or more sensors (132). The compression assembly (145) may comprisean inflatable member (130) and an enclosure (140). The heat exchanger(120) may generally comprise fluid channels through which fluid maycirculate to remove heat from a patient's scalp. The compressionassembly (145) may be configured to apply a predetermined force to theheat exchanger to, for example, increase the contact area between theheat exchanger and a patient's scalp, which may increase the heattransfer between the scalp and the fluid circulating in the heatexchanger. For example, the enclosure may provide a counter force to theinflatable member when the inflatable member is in the inflatedconfiguration.

The cooling units described here may be fluidly coupled to the coolingcap assemblies described here to cool the cooling fluid and circulatethe cooled fluid through the heat exchanger. For example, the coolingunit may comprise components to cool, store, and pump fluid (e.g.,water, alcohol, glycol, a combination thereof) into and out of a coolingcap assembly. Turning back to FIG. 1A, as shown there, the cooling unit(150) may comprise a compressor (152), a reservoir (154), one or moresensors (156), and a pump (158). The compressor (152) may be configuredto decrease the temperature of the cooling fluid and the pump (158) maybe configured to circulate the cooling fluid through the cooling capassembly (110) (i.e., through the heat exchanger). The one or moresensors (156) may be communicatively coupled (e.g., wired or wirelessly)to a controller. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the coolingunit (150) may be fluidly coupled to the cooling cap assembly (110) by,for example, a fluid conduit or tubing assembly.

Turning back to the cooling cap assembly (110), FIG. 1B is an explodedperspective view of a variation of the cooling cap assembly (110)configured to be placed on the scalp of a patient (101). The liner (112)may be placed on the scalp and the heat exchanger (120) may be placedover the liner (112) such that a bottom or inner surface of the heatexchanger (120) may be removeably coupled to the scalp through the liner(112). In some variations, the cooling cap assembly (110) may notinclude the liner (112), and the heat exchanger (120) may be placeddirectly on the scalp. The compression assembly (145) may be placed overthe heat exchanger (120). More specifically, the inflatable member(130), which may be separate from, and moveable relative to, the heatexchanger (120), may be placed over the heat exchanger (120) (e.g., ontop of the heat exchanger) such that a bottom or inner surface of theinflatable member (130) contacts a top or outer surface of the heatexchanger (120). As mentioned above, the enclosure (140) may be coupledto a top or outer surface of the inflatable member (130), and thus theenclosure (140) and the inflatable member (130) may be placed on theuser's head simultaneously.

In some variations, a cover (114) may be coupled to the enclosure (140)(e.g., to an outer surface of the enclosure (140)) and may be placed onthe user's head with the enclosure (140) and the inflatable member(130). In other variations, the cover (114) may be distinct from theenclosure (140) and may be placed over the enclosure (140) and theuser's head separately. The cover (114) may comprise a fastener, whichmay releasably attach the cooling cap assembly to the head of thepatient (101). In some variations, the cooling cap assembly may notinclude a cover (114), and the enclosure (130) may comprise a releasablefastener to couple to cooling cap assembly to the head of the patient(101).

When coupled, the inflatable member (130) may be positioned between theenclosure (140), which may comprise or otherwise serve as an outershell, and the heat exchanger (120). The heat exchanger (120) may beseparate from and moveable relative to the inflatable member (130). Insome variations, the inflatable member (130) may comprise a pouch havinga top surface and a bottom surface, and the bottom surface may bereleasably coupled to the heat exchanger (120). The inflatable membermay be coupled to a pump (not shown), and the pump may be configuredinflate the pouch. In some variations, the inflatable member (130) maycomprise a plurality of chambers, as described in more detail herein,which may be coupled to a pump that may individually or simultaneouslyinflate the chambers. The inflatable member (130) may comprise a set offluid conduits (144) (e.g., fluid pressure lines) coupled to one or morevalves (142). For example, in variations comprising a plurality of fluidconduits, each fluid conduit may comprise or otherwise be fluidlycoupled to a valve. The one or more valves (142) may be coupled to thepump (not shown).

In some variations, transitioning the inflatable member (130) from adeflated configuration to an inflated configuration may increase apressure applied to the head of patient by the cooling cap assembly andthe contact area between the heat exchanger (120) and the head of thepatient (101). In some variations, the compression assembly (145) may beconfigured to generate from about 0.1 lb/in² to about 10 lb/in² ofcompression to the head when the inflatable member (130) is in theinflated configuration. In some variations, the compression assembly(145) may be configured to generate from about 0.1 lb/in² to about 8.0lb/in², from about 0.1 lb/in² to about 5.0 lb/in², from about 0.1 lb/in²to about 3.0 lb/in², from about 0.1 lb/in² to about 2.0 lb/in², fromabout 0.1 lb/in² to about 1.0 lb/in², from about 0.5 lb/in² to about 8.0lb/in², from about 0.5 lb/in² to about 5.0 lb/in², from about 0.5 lb/in²to about 3.0 lb/in², from about 0.5 lb/in² to about 2.0 lb/in², or fromabout 0.5 lb/in² to about 1.0 lb/in² of compression to the head when theinflatable member (130) is in the inflated configuration.

In some variations, the cooling system may be a closed-loop system suchthat one or more parameters of one or more components of the coolingsystem (e.g., a pump coupled to the inflatable member, a pumpcirculating the cooling fluid, a compressor of a cooling unit) may bemodified based on information received from one or more sensors. Forexample, in some variations, the heat exchanger (120) may comprise aplurality of temperature sensors (132). The plurality of temperaturesensors (132) may be coupled (e.g., via wired or wireless connection) toa controller (170) (e.g., processor, memory). The controller (170) maycomprise instructions and/or execute instructions to receive atemperature from a temperature sensor and adjust an output of one orboth of the pumps and/or the compressor based on the temperature. Insome variations, the controller (170) may be configured to adjust orotherwise control a fluid pressure of the inflatable member (130) usingthe pump fluidly coupled thereto.

Heat Exchanger

Generally, the heat exchangers described here may be configured toremove heat from a scalp of a patient via a cooling fluid circulating inone or more passages therein. Due to the shape of a patient's head andthe geometry of a heat exchanger, a contact area between the patient'sscalp and the heat exchanger may be inconsistent and/or suboptimal. Forexample, the weight and coverage area of the heat exchanger havingcirculating fluid may not be sufficient to provide the compressionforces to evenly cool a patient's scalp, such as when a patient movestheir head. In some variations, the contact area between the heatexchanger and the scalp may be increased using a compression assembly asdescribed herein, which may improve the effectiveness of a coolingtreatment. In some variations, the shape and dimensions of the heatexchanger may be configured to be adjustable such that the heatexchanger may properly fit patients having varying head shapes andsizes, which may also provide an increased contact area between the heatexchanger and the patient's head to increase effectiveness of a coolingtreatment. In some variations, the heat exchanger may comprise a surfacethat may be comfortably placed directly on a scalp of a patient. Forexample, the interior surface of the heat exchanger may comprise a terrycloth surface.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom (e.g., exterior andinterior) views respectively of a variation of a heat exchanger (200).As shown there, the heat exchanger (200) may comprise a base portion(210), a top portion (221), a first side portion (231), a second sideportion (241), and a fluid connector (270). The fluid connector (270)may be used to couple the heat exchanger (200) to a cooling unit and maybe coupled to any suitable portion of the heat exchanger (200), forexample, any of the base portion (210), the top portion (221), or eitherside portion (241). The fluid connector (270) may comprise a fluidconduit such as tubing configured to couple to an inlet and an outlet ofa cooling unit. The top portion (221) may be configured to cover the topridge and/or forefront of the head, the base portion (210) may beconfigured to cover the back of the head and/or the neck, and the firstand second side portions (231, 241) may be configured to be cover theleft and right hemispheres of the head. The base portion (210) may havea generally rectangular shape and may extend away from the top portion(221).

In some variations, the top portion (221), the first side portion (231)and/or the second side portion (241) may comprise one or more arms orlobes, for example, two, three, four, or more. In some variations, thefirst side portion (231), the second side portion (241), and the topportion (221) may comprise only two lobes, and the heat exchanger (200)may only comprise a total of six lobes (i.e., the base portion (210)does not have any lobes). The lobes of each portion of the heatexchanger may be sized and shaped to adjustably cover different portionsof a patient's head. For example, the lobes may generally be elongate(e.g., have a larger length than width) and may each have a curved orrounded distal end. One or more of the distal ends may comprise afastener (e.g., hook, loop) used to fasten the lobes to each other. Eachlobe may extend from the base (210) and may be flexible so as to allowconformance to a patient's head and for patient adjustment. Invariations in which the top portion (221), first side portion (231), andsecond side portion (241) comprise a plurality of lobes, each lobe ineach portion may be the same (e.g., have the same shape, length, width,surface area, and/or radius of curvature of the distal end) or each lobemay be different (e.g., have a different shape, length, width, surfacearea, and/or radius of curvature of the distal end). For example, insome variations, each of the top portion (221), first side portion(231), and second side portion (241) may comprise two lobes, the lobes(220, 222) in the top portion (221) may have the same length and widthas one another, and the length and width of the lobes (220, 222) in thetop portion (221) may be different from the length and width of thelobes (230, 232, 240, 242) in the side portions (when length and widthof each lobe is measured relative to the proximal end of the heatexchanger (200)). In some instances, one or more lobes (230, 232) in thefirst side portion (231) may be a mirror image of one or more lobes(240, 242) in the second side portion (241) and/or the lobes (220, 222)in the top portion (221) may be mirror images of one another.

As shown in FIG. 2A, for example, the top and side portions of the heatexchanger (200) may generally form a cactus-like shape or that of a setof splayed fingers. In some variations, the top portion (221) and baseportion (210) may define a common longitudinal axis. The first sideportion (231) and the second side portion (241) may extend from the baseportion (210) at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.The lobes of the side portions may have different acute angles withrespect to the longitudinal axis. In some variations, one or more of thelobes may be tapered. In some variations, the lobes may extend fromeither another portion of the heat exchanger (e.g., first lobe (230)extends from base portion (210) at an acute angle) or from another lobe(e.g., second lobe (232) extends from first lobe (230)). In somevariations, a length of a first lobe to a length of a second lobe may befrom about 2:1 to about 0.5:1. In some variations, a width of a firstlobe to a width of a second lobe may be from about 2:1 to about 0.5:1.

In the variation depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, the top portion (221) maycomprise a first lobe (220) and a second lobe (222), the first sideportion (231) may comprise a first lobe (230) and a second lobe (232),and the second side portion (241) may comprise a first lobe (240) and asecond lobe (242). As shown there, the length of the first lobes (230,240) of the first portion (231) and the second portion (241) may begreater than a length of the second lobes (232, 242) of the firstportion (231) and the second portion (241). Additionally oralternatively, the length of the first and second lobes in the firstside portion (231) and the second side portion (241) may be less thanthe length of the first and second lobes in the top portion (221). Insome variations, an area of either the first side portion or the secondside portion to an area of the top portion is from about 2:1 to about0.5:1. In some variations, the heat exchanger (200) may comprise alength of from about 30 cm to about 50 cm, and a width of from about 35cm to about 80 cm.

The heat exchanger (200) may generally comprise one or more fluidchannels (not shown) forming a fluid path through at least one of thebase portion (210), the top portion (221), the first side portion (231),and the second side portion (241). For example, in some variations, eachportion of the heat exchanger (200) may comprise at least a portion of afluid channel. In some instances, each portion of the heat exchanger(200) comprises a plurality of fluid channels (e.g., two, three, four,or more). The fluid channels may have any size and shape suitable tocirculate cooling fluid through the portions of the heat exchange. Forexample, each fluid channel may comprise a cross-sectional area of fromabout 9 mm² to about 100 mm². When in use, the fluid channels maycomprise circulating fluid that may have a temperature that is lowerthan a temperature of the scalp of a patient. FIG. 2M illustrates onevariation of a fluid flow pattern of a heat exchanger (200). In thevariation shown there, each lobe of the heat exchanger (200) maycomprise two fluid channels and fluid may enter (260) and exit (262) theheat exchanger (200) through a base portion of the heat exchanger (200).

As shown in at least FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2N, the heat exchanger (200) maycomprise one or more releasable fasteners (280) (e.g., hooks, loops,Velcro®, a combination thereof or the like) configured to form and holdthe heat exchanger (200) in a predetermined shape configuration. Forexample, one or more end portions of the heat exchanger (200) maycomprise fasteners having any suitable shape or size. FIGS. 2A and 2Bshow a set of fasteners (280) coupled to distal ends of the lobes. Forexample, a semispherical loop fastener may be disposed on a first sideof the heat exchanger (200) (FIG. 2A) on a distal end of each lobe. On asecond side of the heat exchanger (200) opposite the first side (FIG.2B), a semispherical hook fastener may be disposed on four of the lobes.Furthermore, a loop fastener may be disposed on the second side of thebase portion (210). The portions and/or lobes may be manipulated suchthat the hooks and loops of different portions may overlap and couple toeach other so as to wrap around and secure the heat exchanger to a scalpof a patient.

In some variations, the heat exchanger (200) may comprise a flexiblematerial such as nylon, urethane coated nylon, woven polyester,polyvinyl chloride (PVC), loop fabric, non-woven fabric, combinationsthereof and the like. This may allow one or more portions of the heatexchanger (200) to be manipulated and adjusted to conform to a shape ofa patient's head and to accommodate patients of various head sizes. Asshown in the side and front schematic views of FIGS. 2C and 2D, the heatexchanger (200) may be generally shaped to be wrapped around a head of apatient. For example, one or more end portions of the heat exchanger maybe configured to adjustably overlap so as to surround at least a portionof the head, as described herein in more detail with respect to FIGS.2H-2L.

The heat exchanger (200) may be formed from several layers that may becoupled to one another, one or more of which may form fluid passagewayswithin the heat exchanger. FIG. 2G is a schematic cross-sectional viewof a portion of one variation of the layers of a heat exchanger (200).The heat exchanger (200) may comprise a first, bottom layer (250)configured to face a patient and a second, top layer (254) configured toface away from the patient (e.g., face an inflatable member). The firstlayer (250) and the second layer (254) may form a cavity and/or one ormore of fluid channels (depicted schematically as 252) therebetween,which may receive circulating fluid when the heat exchanger is in use.In some variations, the layers of the heat exchanger may be radiofrequency or thermally welded to one another to form a circuitous and/ortortuous path for circulating fluid and may be water impermeable. Insome variations, the first layer (250) and/or the second layer (254) maycomprise a flexible material such as nylon. In some variations, forexample, when a liner is not used, the second layer (254) may comprise asoft fabric such as terry cloth and/or absorbent fabric. Additionally oralternatively, in some variations, one or more portions of the heatexchanger (200) (e.g., the first layer (250) or a portion thereof and/orthe second layer (254) or a portion thereof) may optionally comprise acompressible material (e.g., an open cell foam, a closed cell foam). Invariations comprising a compressible material, the compressible materialmay be integrated into or embedded within one or more layers of the heatexchanger and/or may be attached to an internal and/or external surfaceof one or more layers of the heat exchanger (200). Utilizing acompressible material may increase the rigidity of the heat exchanger(200) so as to increase resistance to buckling from, for example,internal liquid pressure and/or may increase a distance between thefirst layer (250) of the heat exchanger (200) and the patient's scalp,which may reduce the risk of frostbite. FIGS. 2E and 2F are schematicside cross-sectional views of the heat exchanger (200). For example,FIG. 2E illustrates the first layer (250) comprising a hook fastener(260) and the second layer (254) comprising a hook fastener (260) andloop fastener (262).

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic views of additional variations of a heatexchanger (1100) comprising a design configured for efficient coolingand fluid flow. As shown there, the heat exchanger (1100) may comprise abase portion (1110), a top portion (1121), a first side portion (1131)comprising a first arm (1130), a second side portion (1141) comprising asecond arm (1140)), and a fluid connector (1170). Furthermore, one ormore portions of the heat exchanger (1100) may comprise one or morefluid barriers (1150, 1152, 1154) (e.g., a plurality of fluid barrierssuch as two, three, four, five, or more), one or more fasteners (1180),(e.g., a plurality of fasteners such as two, three, four, five or more),and one or more sensors (1182) (e.g., a plurality of sensors such astwo, three, four, five or more). The fluid connector (1170) may beconfigured to couple the heat exchanger (1100) to a cooling unit (notshown) and may be coupled to any suitable portion of the heat exchanger(1100), for example, any of the base portion (1110), the top portion(1121), or either side portion (1131, 1141). The fluid connector (1170)may comprise a fluid conduit such as tubing configured to couple to aninlet and an outlet of a cooling unit. The top portion (1121) may beconfigured to cover the top ridge and/or forefront of the head, the baseportion (1110) may be configured to cover the back of the head and/orthe neck, and the first and second side portions (1131, 1141) may beconfigured to cover the left and right hemispheres of the head. Forexample, the top portion (1121) may have a generally circular orellipsoidal shape, the first and second side portions (1131, 1141) mayhave a generally elongate shape with rounded (e.g., bulbous) ends andthe base portion (1110) may have a generally tapered shape and mayextend away from the top portion (1121) and side portions (1131, 1141).

In some variations, the top portion (1121), the first side portion(1131) and/or the second side portion (1141) may each comprise one ormore arms or lobes, for example, one, two, three, four, or more. In somevariations, the first side portion (1131), the second side portion(1141), and the top portion (1121) may comprise three arms or lobes intotal, and the heat exchanger (1100) may only comprise a total of threearms or lobes (i.e., the base portion (1110) may not have any arms). Thearms of each portion of the heat exchanger may be sized and shaped toadjustably cover different portions of a patient's head. For example,the arms of each of the first and second side portions may generally beelongate (e.g., have a larger length than width) and may each have acurved or rounded distal end. The top portion (1121) may have agenerally circular or ellipsoidal shape in the shape of a head. One ormore of the distal ends may comprise a fastener (e.g., hook, loop) usedto fasten the arms to one another. Each arm may extend outward from thebase (1110) in opposing directions and may be flexible so as to allowconformance to a patient's head and for patient adjustment. Invariations in which the top portion (1121), first side portion (1131),and second side portion (1141) each comprise a plurality of arms, eacharm in each portion may be the same (e.g., have the same shape, length,width, surface area, and/or radius of curvature of the distal end) oreach arm may be different (e.g., have a different shape, length, width,surface area, and/or radius of curvature of the distal end).

As shown in FIGS. 11A-11C, for example, the top and side portions of theheat exchanger (1100) may generally form one or more of a humanoid shape(e.g. scarecrow), T-shape, and/or cross shape. In some variations, thetop portion (1121) and base portion (1110) may define a commonlongitudinal axis, and in some instances, the fluid barrier (1152) maygenerally extend along the common longitudinal axis (e.g., the fluidbarrier (1152) may generally extend along a longitudinal axis of theheat exchanger (1100)). The first side portion (1131) and the secondside portion (1141) may extend from the base portion (1110) at an acuteangle with respect to the longitudinal axis. In some variations, thefirst side portion (1131) and the second side portion (1141) may form agenerally curved shape relative to the base portion (1110). For example,the side portions may extend from the base portion (1110) at the same orat different arcuate angles with respect to the longitudinal axis. Insome variations, one or more of the arms may be tapered (e.g., proximalend has a larger width than distal end, distal end has a larger widththan a proximal end). In some variations, the arms may extend fromeither another portion of the heat exchanger (e.g., first arm (1130)extends from base portion (1110) at an acute angle) or from another arm(e.g., second arm (1140) extends from top portion (1121)). For example,the first arm (1130) and the second arm (1140) may form an angle fromabout zero degrees to about 80 degrees relative to the longitudinalaxis. In some variations, a ratio of the length of a first arm to thelength of a second arm may be from about 2:1 to about 0.5:1. In somevariations, a ratio of the width of a first arm to the width of a secondarm may be from about 2:1 to about 0.5:1.

In some variations, the heat exchanger (1100) may comprise a length offrom about 30 cm to about 50 cm, including all sub-ranges and valuesin-between, for example, from about 35 cm to about 45 cm. In somevariations, the heat exchanger (1100) may comprise a width of from about35 cm to about 80 cm, including all sub-ranges and values in-between. Insome variations, a ratio of a length of an arm to a diameter of the topportion may be from about 3:2 to about 3:4. For example, in somevariations, the top portion (1121) may comprise a diameter of about 20cm, and the base portion (1110) may comprise a length of about 20 cm,and each side portion (1131, 1141) may comprise a length of about 25 cm.

The heat exchanger (1100) may generally comprise a fluid path (e.g.,fluid channels) through at least one of the base portion (1110), the topportion (1121), the first side portion (1131), and the second sideportion (1141). For example, in some variations, each portion of theheat exchanger (1100) may comprise at least a portion of a fluid path.The fluid path may have any size and shape suitable to circulate coolingfluid through the portions of the heat exchanger (1100). When in use,the fluid path may comprise circulating fluid that may have atemperature that is lower than a temperature of the scalp of a patient.FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate variations of a fluid flow pattern (1190,1192) of a heat exchanger (1100). In the variations shown there, fluidmay enter (1190) and exit (1192) the heat exchanger (1100) through thebase portion (1110) (e.g., at a proximal end of the base portion (1110))of the heat exchanger (1100). For example, fluid may flow in a generallycounter-clockwise direction sequentially through the base portion(1110), second side portion (1141), top portion (1120), first sideportion (1131), and out through the base portion (1110).

In some variations, a heat exchanger (1100) may comprise a fluid barrierconfigured to direct fluid flow through the heat exchanger (1100) and toprovide a predetermined shape to the heat exchanger (1100) in anexpanded configuration. The fluid barriers described herein may aid inpromoting even and consistent cooling and may reduce pooling of fluidwithin the heat exchanger (1100). For example, the fluid barriers may beconfigured to reduce turbulent fluid flow throughout the heat exchanger(1100) by defining a predetermined fluid flow path. Furthermore, thefluid barriers may be configured to reduce expansion of one or moreportions of a heat exchanger (1100). In some variations, the heatexchanger (1100) may comprise a set of fluid barriers (1150, 1152, 1154)including, but not limited to, point fluid barriers, elongate fluidbarriers, rounded fluid barriers, and shaped fluid barriers. Forexample, the fluid barriers may include one or more of a sidewall andweld within an interior cavity of the heat exchanger (1100) which doesnot include the walls defining the outer perimeter (e.g., boundary) ofthe heat exchanger (1100). For example, each barrier may be coupledbetween opposing layers (e.g., top layer, bottom layer) of the heatexchanger (1100) such that when the heat exchanger (1100) is in anexpanded configuration (e.g., filled with fluid), the heat exchanger(1100) may maintain a predefined thickness and shape throughout ratherthan “ballooning” out. As described in more detail herein, one or moreof the fluid barriers may be formed by a welding process.

In some variations, an elongate fluid barrier (1152, 1153, 1155) maydefine a fluid flow path through one or more portions and/or arms of theheat exchanger (1100) and may provide a predetermined shape to the heatexchanger (1100). For example, FIG. 11A illustrates that a longitudinalelongate fluid barrier (1152) may bisect each of the base portion (1110)and the top portion (1121). Similarly, lateral elongate fluid barriers(1153, 1155) may bisect the first side portion (1131) and the secondside portion (1141), and the top portion (1121), respectively. In FIG.11A, the longitudinal elongate fluid barrier (1152) may form across-like shape with each of the lateral elongate fluid barriers (1153,1155) so as to form a circuitous fluid path through the heat exchanger(1100). One or more elongate fluid barriers (1154) shorter than thelongitudinal or lateral elongate fluid barriers (1152) may be disposedin close proximity to the intersections formed between the lateral andlongitudinal elongate fluid barriers (1152, 1153, 1155) in order toreduce fluid back pressure (e.g., pooling) in those regions. Theelongate fluid barriers (1154) may be generally parallel or angledrelative to the lateral or longitudinal elongate fluid barriers (1154).

FIG. 11B illustrates curved elongate fluid barriers (1162) configured topromote non-turbulent or laminar fluid flow near, for example,intersections and/or curved portions of the heat exchanger (1100). FIG.11C is an image of the heat exchanger (1100) depicted schematically inFIG. 11B. The elongate fluid barriers (1162, 1164) depicted in FIGS. 11Band 11C may comprise one or more curves to reduce fluid back pressureand turbulent flow. Elongate fluid barriers may form a circuitous fluidpath through the heat exchanger (1100). For example, FIG. 11Billustrates that a first elongate fluid barrier (1162) that extendsthrough the base portion (1110) and the second side portion (1141). Asecond elongate fluid barrier (1164) extends through the first sideportion (1131) and the top portion (1120). The first and second elongatefluid barriers (1162, 1164) may be coupled by third elongate fluidbarrier (1166). A lateral elongate fluid barrier (1165) may form across-like shape with respect to the second elongate fluid barrier(1164). One or more elongate fluid barriers (1154) shorter than thefirst and second elongate fluid barriers (1162, 1164) may be disposed inclose proximity to the intersections formed between the first, second,third, and lateral elongate fluid barriers (1162, 1164, 1165, 1166) inorder to reduce fluid back pressure (e.g., pooling) in those regions.The elongate fluid barriers (1154) may be generally parallel or angledrelative to the elongate fluid barriers (1162, 1164, 1165, 1166).

In some variations, the set of fluid barriers may comprise a fluidbarrier pattern of spaced-apart fluid barriers (1150) configured todefine a fluid flow path and provide a predetermined shape to the heatexchanger (1100). For example, FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a set offluid barriers (1150) comprising a torus-like (e.g., donut, dot,cylinder) shape that may be distributed generally evenly throughout acavity of the heat exchanger (1100). The center (e.g., hole) of thetorus-like fluid barriers are not in fluid communication with the fluidin the heat exchanger. In some variations, one or more of the torus-likefluid barriers (1150) may comprise a diameter of from about 5 mm toabout 10 mm and may be spaced apart from other fluid barriers (1150)from about 5 mm to about 15 mm. For example, in some variations, one ormore (e.g., a plurality, all) of the torus-like fluid barriers (1150)may comprise a diameter of about 7 mm, and the spacing between thetorus-like fluid barriers may be at least 10 mm (e.g., about 10 mm). Insome variations, the set of tori (1150) may be generally evenly spacedapart. Each fluid barrier of the set of fluid barriers (1150) may havethe same or different diameters. Additionally or alternatively, the setof fluid barriers (1150) may comprise other shapes such as a hemisphere,rectangle, triangle, rhomboid, trapezoid, and other polygon, or acombination thereof (e.g., a plurality of fluid barriers may comprise afirst shape (e.g., a torus-like shape) and a plurality of fluid barriersmay comprise a second, different shape (e.g., a solid circular shape).

In some variations, one or more (e.g., a plurality, two, three, four, ormore) fluid barriers (e.g., fluid barrier (1154)) may comprise a barbellor dumbbell-like shape having a torus-like or circular fluid barrier (orpoint barriers) coupled to each end of an elongate fluid barrier. Thesefluid barriers (1154) may be configured to direct fluid flow in apredetermined manner. For example, the elongate fluid barriers (1152,1154) may promote laminar fluid flow near intersections and sharp anglesto reduce fluid back pressure (e.g., pooling, dead spots). Fluid that isrelatively stagnant within the heat exchanger (1100) may comprise arelatively higher temperature that may reduce one or more of efficiencyand performance of the cooling cap assembly. Thus, elongate fluidbarriers may enable non-turbulent flow throughout the heat exchanger(1100). In some variations, the elongate fluid barrier (1152, 1153,1154, 1162, 1164, 1165, 1166) may be linear or curved, and may comprisea width equal to or less than a diameter or width of the fluid barrierends (e.g., torus-like fluid barrier, point barrier).

As described in more detail herein, in some variations, the heatexchanger (1100) may comprise one or more sensors (1182), such as, forexample, one or more sensors configured to measure temperature. Forexample, a sensor (1182) may be disposed within the inner “donut hole”(e.g., through hole) of the torus-like fluid barriers (1150) at one ormore (e.g., two, three, four, or more) predetermined locations withinthe heat exchanger (1100), as indicated in FIG. 11B. In some variations,a notification may be generated when one or more measured temperaturesis outside a predetermined temperature range or other criteria. Forexample, in some variations, a patient may be notified if a temperatureat one sensor differs from one or more other sensors by a predeterminedamount (e.g., 2° C. or more temperature differential).

Additionally, in some variations, the heat exchanger (1100) may compriseone or more releasable fasteners (1180) (e.g., hooks, loops, Velcro®, acombination thereof or the like) configured to form and hold the heatexchanger (1100) in a predetermined shape configuration. For example,one or more end portions of the heat exchanger (1100) may comprisefasteners (1180) having any suitable shape or size. FIGS. 11A and 11Bshow a set of fasteners (1180) coupled to distal ends of the arms. Forexample, a semispherical loop fastener may be disposed on a first sideof the heat exchanger (1100) on a distal end of each arm. On a secondside of the heat exchanger (1100) opposite the first side, asemispherical hook fastener may be disposed on a set of the arms.Furthermore, a loop fastener may be disposed on the second side of thebase portion (1110). In some variations, the fasteners (1180) of the topportion (1120) may comprise a triangular shape to allow the top portion(1120) to form a concave or “bowl” shape when the heat exchanger (1100)is in the expanded configuration. For example, FIGS. 11A-11C depict aset of four triangular shaped fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) and threetab-shaped fasteners on a top portion (1120) of the heat exchanger(1100).

In some variations, the portions and/or arms may be manipulated suchthat the hooks and loops of different portions may overlap and couple toeach other so as to wrap around and secure the heat exchanger to a scalpof a patient. For example, the fasteners (1180) on the distal ends ofthe side portions (1130, 1140) may be wrapped around the side of thepatient's head to meet (e.g., couple, overlap) over a patient'sforehead. Then, the tab-shaped fasteners (1180) protruding from the topportion (1120) may be coupled to the fasteners (1180) of the sideportions (1131, 1141) to secure the top portion (1120) to the sideportions (1131, 1141).

In some variations, the heat exchanger (1100) may comprise a flexiblematerial such as nylon, urethane coated nylon, woven polyester,polyvinyl chloride (PVC), loop fabric, non-woven fabric, combinationsthereof and the like. This may allow one or more portions of the heatexchanger (1100) to be manipulated and adjusted (e.g., wrapped) toconform to a shape of a patient's head and to accommodate patients ofvarious head sizes.

In some variations, the heat exchanger (1100) may be formed from severallayers that may be coupled to one another, one or more of which may formone or more fluid passageways (e.g., fluid paths) within the heatexchanger. For example, the heat exchanger (1100) may comprise a firstlayer configured to face a patient and a second layer configured to faceaway from the patient (e.g., face an inflatable member). In somevariations, the layers of the heat exchanger may be radio frequency orthermally welded to one another to form a circuitous fluid path forcirculating fluid and may be water impermeable. For example,radiofrequency welding may comprise passing electricity using amanufacturing device through the portion of the heat exchanger to bewelded. Localized heat and pressure applied by the manufacturing devicemay create a strong weld (e.g., bond). In some variations, the heatexchanger (1100) may comprise a fabric laminated with thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU).

In some variations, the heat exchanger (1100) may comprise a flexiblematerial such as nylon and/or non-woven fabric. Additionally oralternatively, in some variations, one or more portions of the heatexchanger (1100) may optionally comprise a compressible material (e.g.,an open cell foam, a closed cell foam). In variations comprising acompressible material, the compressible material may be integrated intoor embedded within one or more layers of the heat exchanger and/or maybe attached to an internal and/or external surface of one or more layersof the heat exchanger (1100) which may increase resistance to bucklingfrom, for example, internal liquid pressure and/or reduce the risk offrostbite.

Compression Assembly

The compression assemblies described herein may be configured toincrease a contact area between a heat exchanger and a scalp of apatient (in some variations, the contact may be through a liner), whichmay increase the cooling efficiency of the cooling cap assembly. Thecompression assemblies described here may generally comprise aninflatable member and an enclosure, and may be separate from andmoveable relative to the heat exchanger. Put another way, thecompression assembly may be formed separately from the heat exchangerand may be removed or otherwise physically separated from the heatexchanger, for example, during application of the heat exchanger to apatient's scalp. When in use, an interior surface of the inflatablemember may contact the heat exchanger and an exterior surface of theinflatable member may contact the enclosure. As the inflatable member isinflated, the enclosure may be configured to resist deformation from theinflatable member and provide a counter force such that the compressionassembly may apply a compressive force to the heat exchanger. Thiscompressive force may increase a contact area between the heat exchangerand the scalp, by for example, pressing the heat exchanger into apatient's scalp such that the heat exchanger better conforms to theshape of the patient's scalp. For example, the contour and shape of apatient's scalp may be such that the arms or lobes of a heat exchangermay not fully contact all or a substantial portion of the scalp unlesspressure is applied to push the arms or lobes towards the scalp. Thisapplication of pressure may allow any voids, gaps, divots, etc. betweenthe heat exchanger and the scalp to be reduced. In some variations, thecompression assembly may comprise one or more sensors.

Inflatable Member

The inflatable members described here may be configured to receive afluid to transition from a deflated configuration to an inflatedconfiguration in order to increase a force applied by the heat exchangerto the head of a patient. FIGS. 3A and 3B are plan views of a variationof an inflatable member (300). The inflatable member (300) may comprisea base inflatable portion (310), a top inflatable portion (320, 322), afirst inflatable side portion (330, 332), and a second inflatable sideportion (340, 342). The base inflatable portion (310) may be alignedwith the neck and/or rear head of the patient with the top inflatableportion (321) laid over the top ridge and/or forefront of the head. Whenplaced on a patient's head, the side portions (331, 341) may drape overthe left and right hemispheres of the head. Each portion may comprise atleast one chamber configured to be filled with a fluid (e.g., liquid,gas (e.g., air)). For example, the inflatable member may comprise aplurality of chambers (e.g., two, three, four, five, or more). Forexample, in one variation, the inflatable member may comprise a frontcentral chamber, a front left chamber, a front right chamber, a topchamber, a back central chamber, a back right chamber, and a back rightchamber. In some variations, each of the plurality of chambers may beindependently inflatable. As mentioned above, the inflatable member(300) may comprise a deflated configuration and an inflatedconfiguration. When in use on the head of a patient, transitioning theinflatable member (300) from the deflated to the inflated configurationmay increase a pressure applied to the head of the patient.

In some variations, a length of the first inflatable side portion (330,332) and the second inflatable side portion (340, 341) may be less thana length of the top inflatable portion (320, 322). Similar to the heatexchangers described herein, portions of the inflatable member (300) maybe configured to adjustably overlap so as to surround at least a portionof the head. For example, FIGS. 3B and 3D are top and perspective viewsof variations of an inflatable member (300) held in an enclosure (360).The side and top portions of the inflatable member (300) may overlap oneanother so as to form a generally hemi-spherical shape. In somevariations, the inflatable member (300) may be removeably coupled to theenclosure (360). In other variations, the inflatable member (300) may befixed to the enclosure (360).

The inflatable member (300) may comprise one or more fluid connectors(e.g., tubing) coupled to one or more of the inflation portions (310,321, 331, 341). In some variations, the inflatable member (300) mayfurther comprise a manual pump fluidly coupled to the one or morechambers of the inflatable member (300) via the fluid connector(s). Inother variations, the inflatable member may be fluidly coupled to aseparate pump, for example, an air pump contained in the cooling unit,via the one or more fluid connectors. In some variations, one or more ofthe fluid conduits may comprise a valve that may be used to control orassist in controlling the inflation pressure.

FIG. 3C depicts a variation of an inflatable member 300 comprising afluid pump (e.g., air bulb) (350). The fluid pump (350), shown there asmanual hand pump (e.g., an air pump bulb), may be coupled to a fluidconnector (354) via flexible tubing (352). The flexible tubing (352) mayfluidly couple the one or more chambers in the inflation portions (310,321, 331, 341) to the fluid pump (350) such that the fluid pump (350)may be actuated to fill one or more chambers of the inflatable member(300) to a predetermined pressure (inflation pressure) with, forexample, air and/or an inert gas. In some variations, the fluid pump(350) may be actuated by the patient, which may allow the patient toadjust the force applied by the compression assembly to the patient'shead via the heat exchanger. This may allow for increased adjustabilityand comfort of the cooling cap assembly, and may allow for a degree ofcontact between the heat exchanger and the scalp. As mentioned above, insome variations, the cooling unit may comprise the fluid pump (350). Inthese variations, the cooling system may further comprise a controllerthat may be configured to manually (e.g., via user input) and/ordynamically (e.g., using sensor data) control an inflation pressure ofthe inflatable member (300) using the fluid pump (350).

In some variations, an inflatable member may be configured to conform tothe shape of a patient's head when inflated and held in an enclosuresuch as a cooling cap. FIG. 12A is a schematic view of another variationof an inflatable member (1200). FIG. 12B is a bottom view of a variationof an inflatable member (1200) in a first configuration (e.g.,uninflated configuration) when held in an enclosure. FIG. 12C is abottom view of an illustrative variation of an inflatable member in asecond configuration (e.g., inflated configuration) when held in anenclosure. Similarly, FIG. 12D is an image of illustrative variations ofan inflatable member in respective first and second configurations.

The inflatable member (1200) depicted in FIGS. 12A-12D may comprise abase inflatable portion (1210), a top inflatable portion (1220) (e.g.,top chamber (1221)), a first inflatable side portion (1230) (e.g., leftchamber (1231)), and a second inflatable side portion (1240) (e.g.,right chamber (1241)), fluid barriers (1250), fluid connector (1270),slits or voids (1242), and fasteners (1280). The base inflatable portion(1210) may be aligned with the neck and/or rear head of the patient withthe top inflatable portion (1221) laid over the top ridge and/orforefront of the head. When placed on a patient's head, the inflatableside portions (1230, 1240) may cover over the left and right hemispheresof the head. Each portion may comprise at least one chamber configuredto be filled with a fluid (e.g., liquid, gas such as air). For example,the inflatable member (1200) may comprise a plurality of chambers (e.g.,two, three, four, five, or more). For example, in one variation, theinflatable member (1200) may comprise a left chamber (1231), a rightchamber (1241), and a top chamber (1221). As mentioned above, theinflatable member (1200) may comprise a first deflated configuration, asecond inflated configuration, and a plurality of partially-inflatedconfigurations in-between. When in use on the head of a patient,transitioning the inflatable member (1200) from the first deflatedconfiguration to the second inflated configuration may increase apressure applied to a heat exchanger and the head of the patient.

In some variations, the top portion (1220) may have a generallyellipsoidal or circular shape. The first and second side portions (1230,1240) (e.g., wings, arms) may have a generally elongate shape that maybe concave to form a “bowl” shape. The base portion (1210) may have agenerally tapered shape and may extend away from the top portion (1220).In some variations, a length of the first inflatable side portion (1230)and the second inflatable side portion (1240) (along a respectivelongitudinal axis) may be more than a length of the top inflatableportion (1220) (along a longitudinal axis of the top inflatableportion). Similarly to the heat exchangers described herein, portions ofthe inflatable member (1200) may be configured to adjustably overlap soas to surround at least a portion of the head. For example, FIGS. 12Band 12C are top views of variations of an inflatable member (1200) heldin an enclosure (1260). The side portions (1230, 1240) and top portion(1220) of the inflatable member (1200) may overlap one another so as toform a generally hemi-spherical shape. In some variations, theinflatable member (1200) may be removeably coupled to the enclosure(1260). In other variations, the inflatable member (1200) may be fixedto the enclosure (1260). When held in the enclosure (1260) in theinflated configuration, the inflatable member (1260) may be configuredto apply a generally even amount of pressure to the head of a patient.In some variations, the inflatable member (1200) may comprise one ormore slits (1242), voids, or indents to aid in the folding, shaping,and/or overlapping of different portions of the inflatable member (1200)within an enclosure (1260).

In some variations, the top portion (1220) and base portion (1210) maydefine a common longitudinal axis that bisects the inflatable member(1200). The first side portion (1230) and the second side portion (1240)may extend from the base portion (1210) at an acute angle with respectto the longitudinal axis. For example, the first side portion (1230) andthe second side portion (1240) may form an angle from about zero degreesto about 80 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis. In somevariations, the ratio of a length of a first portion to a length of asecond portion may be from about 2:1 to about 0.5:1. For example, thefirst portion and the second portion may be mirror images of oneanother. In some variations, a ratio of the width of a first portion tothe width of a second portion may be from about 2:1 to about 0.5:1.

In some variations, the inflatable member (1200) may comprise a lengthfrom about 25 cm to about 50 cm, including all sub-ranges and valuesin-between, such as, for example, from about 30 cm to about 40 cm. Insome variations, the heat exchanger (1200) may comprise a width of fromabout 35 cm to about 80 cm, from about 50 cm to about 70 cm, from about60 cm to about 70 cm, including all sub-ranges and values in-between.

In some variations, one or more portions of the inflatable member (1200)may comprise one or more fluid barriers (1250). In some variations, theinflatable member (1200) may comprise a set of fluid barriers (1210)(e.g., walls, welds) configured to provide a predetermined shape to theinflatable member (1200) in an inflated configuration. The fluidbarriers described herein may aid in promoting even and consistentinflation of the inflatable member (1200). For example, the fluidbarriers may be configured to reduce expansion of one or more portionsof an inflatable member (1200). Each barrier may be coupled betweenopposing layers (e.g., top layer, bottom layer) of the inflatable member(1200) such that when the inflatable member (1200) is in an inflatedconfiguration (e.g., filled with fluid), the inflatable member (1200)may maintain a predefined thickness and shape throughout rather than“ballooning” out. This may aid patient comfort and increase coolingefficiency. One or more of the fluid barriers may be formed by a weldingprocess a described herein. In some variations, one or more of the fluidbarriers (1250) may be elongate and may generally extend through amid-point of a chamber. That is, the fluid barriers (1250) may bedisposed within an interior cavity of the inflatable member. Forexample, a fluid barrier (1250) may be linear and/or form a “V”-likeshape.

In some variations, one or more portions of the inflatable member (1200)may comprise one or more releasable fasteners (1280) (e.g., hooks,loops, Velcro®, a combination thereof or the like) configured to formand hold the inflatable member (1200) in a predetermined shapeconfiguration. The inflatable member (1200) may be manipulated such thatthe hooks and loops of different portions may overlap and couple to eachother so as to wrap around and secure the inflatable member within anenclosure. One or more edges of the inflatable member (1200) maycomprise a fastener (e.g., hook, loop) used to fasten the portions toeach other. Each side portion may extend from the base portion (1210)and may be flexible so as to allow conformance to a patient's head andfor patient adjustment.

A fluid connector (1270) may be used to couple the inflatable member(1200) to a pump (not shown) and may be coupled to any suitable portionof the inflatable member (1200), for example, any of the base portion(1210), the top portion (1220), or either side portion (1230, 1240). Thefluid connector (1270) may comprise a fluid conduit such as tubingconfigured to couple to a pump. In some variations, the inflatablemember (1200) may further comprise a manual pump fluidly coupled to theone or more chambers of the inflatable member (1200) via the fluidconnector(s). In other variations, the inflatable member may be fluidlycoupled to an air pump contained in the cooling unit, via the one ormore fluid connectors. In some variations, one or more of the fluidconduits may comprise a valve that may be used to control or assist incontrolling the inflation pressure.

In some variations, one or more chambers of the inflatable member (1200)may be inflated to a predetermined pressure (inflation pressure) with,for example, air and/or an inert gas. In some variations, A fluid pumpmay be actuated by the patient, which may allow the patient to adjustthe force applied by the compression assembly to the patient's head viathe heat exchanger. This may allow for increased adjustability andcomfort of the cooling cap assembly, and may allow for a degree ofcontact between the heat exchanger and the scalp. As mentioned above, insome variations, the cooling unit may comprise the fluid pump. In thesevariations, the cooling system may further comprise a controller thatmay be configured to manually (e.g., via user input) and/or dynamically(e.g., using sensor data) control an inflation pressure of theinflatable member (1200) using the fluid pump (1250).

In some variations, the inflatable member (1200) may comprise a flexiblematerial such as nylon, urethane coated nylon, woven polyester,polyvinyl chloride (PVC), loop fabric, non-woven fabric, combinationsthereof and the like. This may allow one or more portions of theinflatable member (1200) to be manipulated and adjusted (e.g., wrapped)to conform to a shape of a patient's head and to accommodate patients ofvarious head sizes. In some variations, the inflatable member (1200) maycomprise a flexible material such as nylon and/or non-woven fabric.

In some variations, one or more inflation portions and/or chambers ofthe inflatable member may be independently inflated and/or deflated. Asshown in FIG. 1B, for example, the inflatable member may comprise aplurality of segmented chambers that may be independently inflatedand/or deflated. In these variations, a fluid conduit (144) may becoupled to each chamber of the inflatable member (130) to allowindependent control of the fluid pressure in each inflatable portionand/or chamber of the inflatable member. This may allow for more uniformcooling of the head by allowing for individual adjustment of theinflation pressure of each inflation portion and/or chamber asnecessary. For example, after an initial inflation of each chamber to apredetermined inflation pressure, temperature sensors coupled to eacharm or lobe of the heat exchanger may measure temperature readings thatindicate uneven cooling of the scalp. In response, a controller mayincrease inflation pressure of chambers corresponding to arms or lobeshaving increased temperature by, for example, increasing an output ofthe pump fluidly coupled to those chambers or otherwise directingadditional fluid into those particular chambers.

Enclosure

Generally, the enclosures described here may comprise a surfaceconfigured to resist deformation as the inflatable member is moved fromthe deflated to the inflated configuration. The enclosures describedhere may provide a counter force to the inflatable member as it isinflated, which, when in use with a heat exchanger, may allow acompressive force to be applied by the heat exchanger to a patient'shead. Using the enclosure as a counter force to the inflatable member inthe inflated configuration may allow the inflatable member to retain auniform shape when in the inflated configuration and may increase acontact area between the heat exchanger and a scalp of a patient.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an illustrative variation of anenclosure (1300) comprising a shell (1310), strap (1312), chin strap(1314), strap fastener (1316), shell fastener (1318), inflatable member(1320), and inflatable member fastener (1322). In some variations, theshell (1310) may comprise a hemispherical or dome shape, and may be inthe form of a helmet. For example, the shell (1310) may comprise a rigid(e.g., molded plastic) or a semi-rigid material. For example, the shell(1310) may be more rigid than the inflatable member (1320). As shown inFIG. 13 , the shell (1310) may be configured to surround at least aportion of, and in some variations, the entire inflatable member (1320).For example, the shell (1310) may define a cavity configured to surroundat least a portion of the inflatable member (1320) and/or receive thehead of a patient (not shown). In some variations, the shell (1310) maybe surrounded by a flexible cover as described herein. The shell (1310)may comprise one or more ports (not shown) configured to permit one ormore fluid connectors to connect to one or more of the inflatable member(1320) and a heat exchanger (not shown). The ports may be furtherconfigured to permit wired connection to one or more sensors of thecooling cap assembly. In some variations, the shell (1310) may compriseone or more electronic components (e.g., processor, memory, PCB,battery, leads, audio output device, haptic feedback device, visualoutput device) of the cooling cap assembly. For example, the shell(1310) may comprise an audio output device near an earhole portion ofthe enclosure (1300) configured to provide audio notification related toa cooling treatment (e.g., operation state) of the cooling cap assembly.As another example, a haptic feedback device may be configured tovibrate during a power state transition of a cooling unit coupled to thecooling cap.

In some variations, the enclosure (1300) may comprise one or more straps(1312) configured to fasten the shell (1310) to a patient. The strap(1312) may comprise a chin strap (1314) configured to wrap underneath ajaw of the patient. In some variations, the chin strap (1314) may beadjustable for comfort and may comprise one or more rigid and softcomponents. For example, the chin strap (1314) may be threaded throughone or more components of the cooling cap assembly. In some variations,the strap (1312) may comprise a strap fastener (1316) (e.g., loop)configured to fasten the strap (1312) to one or more of the shell(1310), inflatable member (1322), cover, and heat exchanger (not shown).In some variations, the shell fastener (1318) and inflatable memberfastener (1322) may each comprise a slit configured to allow the strapfastener (1316) to loop therethrough.

FIGS. 14A-14F are perspective views of an illustrative variation of anenclosure (e.g., cooling cap). FIGS. 14A and 14C are respective side andrear views of the enclosure. FIG. 14B is a bottom view of the enclosurewith an inflatable member disposed within the enclosure. A manual pumpis coupled to the inflatable member. FIGS. 14D and 14E illustrate thatthe inflatable member and a flexible cover may be releasably coupled(e.g., via Velcro®) to a more rigid shell of the enclosure. FIG. 14F isa detail view of a chin strap of the enclosure. In some variations, afastener (e.g., double-sided hook tape) may secure a shell of anenclosure to an inflatable member.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are interior and exterior perspective views of avariation of an enclosure (400). In some variations, the enclosure (400)may comprise a rigid (e.g., molded plastic) or a semi-rigid material.For example, the enclosure (400) may be more rigid than the inflatablemember. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the enclosure (400) may be configuredto surround at least a portion of the inflatable member. For example,the enclosure (400) may define a cavity configured to surround at leasta portion of the inflatable member and/or receive the head of a patient.In some variations, the enclosure may comprise a hemispherical shell(e.g., the enclosure may comprise a dome shape). Although not depictedin FIGS. 4A and 4B, in some variations, the enclosure may comprise afastener that may reversibly couple the enclosure (and the entirecompression assembly) to a patient's head.

Liner

Generally, the liners described here may be configured to contact one ormore of the hair and scalp of a patient and to provide a barrier betweenthe heat exchanger and the scalp. In some variations, the liner may bethin flexible, and/or lightweight, and may allow for heat transferbetween the heat exchanger and the scalp. For example, the liner maycomprise a flexible and/or elastic material such as a knit polyamide ora knit nylon. The liner may form a cavity configured to receive apatient's head, however, unlike the enclosure, the liner may beadaptable and without a particular structure (e.g., floppy andconformable). The liner may be applied over a patient's scalp and mayconform thereto. In some variations, a patient's hair may be evenlyspread across the scalp prior to application of the liner to the head,which may assist in providing more evenly distributed cooling to thescalp. For example, a patient's hair may be adjusted to cover apatient's part line, which may help protect the patient's part lineduring cooling. In some variations, the liner may assist in holding thehair in a desired configuration. In some variations, a moisturizinglotion and/or hair conditioner may be applied to the scalp beforeapplication of the liner to improve conduction and/or prevent the hairfrom freezing during treatment. The liner may comprise a washable,reusable material. In some variations, the liner may be elastic. Theliner may be disposed between the patient's scalp and a heat exchangersuch that the heat exchanger is moveable relative to the liner. In somevariations, the liner may form a friction fit with the scalp such thatthe liner may remain on the scalp when a cooling cap assembly is removedfrom a patient's head. As mentioned above, in some variations, thecooling cap assembly may not include a liner.

Cover

Generally, when included in the cooling assemblies described herein, thecover may be configured to hold (e.g., fix, anchor) a compressionassembly to the patient. For example, a cover may be disposed over anenclosure of the cooling cap assembly and may comprise a fastener thatmay reversible couple the cooling cap assembly to a patient. In thismanner, the cooling cap assembly may be secured to a head of a patientsuch that the cooling cap assembly applies a predetermined pressure tothe heat exchanger and head of the patient. The inflatable member may beinflated to further increase the compression to the head and a contactarea between the heat exchanger and the scalp of the patient, asdescribed in more detail above. In some variations, the cover maycomprise a flexible, elastic material such as neoprene, which may beconfigured to expand as necessary and to hold the compression assemblyin place on the head. In some variations, the cover may hold thecompression assembly and the heat exchanger, such that the compressionassembly and the heat exchanger may be removed from the patient's headtogether. Subsequently, the cooling cap assembly (e.g., the compressionassembly and the heat exchanger) may be placed back onto the head of thepatient as a single piece during future use.

In some variations, the cover may be fixedly coupled to compressionassembly (e.g., to the enclosure), while in other variations, the covermay be releasably coupled to the compression assembly. The cover mayassist a patient in placing the cooling cap assembly (e.g., thecompression assembly) on the head and may secure the cooling capassembly to the head during use. In some variations, as will bedescribed in more detail herein, the heat exchanger may be separatefrom, but may releasably couple, to the compression assembly. In thesevariations, the cover may also assist in removing, securing, andre-applying the heat exchanger from a patient's head.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an illustrative variation of a flexiblecover (500). As shown there, the cover (500) (e.g., distensible cap) maycomprise a fastener assembly (e.g., chin strap (510)) configured to wrapunderneath a jaw of the patient.

Sensors

Generally, the sensors described here may be configured to measure oneor more parameters such as, for example, temperature or force (e.g.,pressure), which may be used to control one or more components of acooling unit and/or a cooling cap assembly. As shown in FIG. 1B, in somevariations, the cooling cap assembly may comprise one or more sensors(132). In this variation, the one or more sensors (132) may be coupledto the heat exchanger (120) and may be configured to measure one or moreparameters of the cooling cap assembly, such as, for example, atemperature of the fluid circulating in the heat exchanger, a scalptemperature, and/or a force applied to a patient's scalp by the heatexchanger or vice versa. In some variations, the sensors may include oneor more temperature sensors (e.g., two, three, four, five, or more)and/or one or more pressure or force sensors (e.g., two, three, four,five, or more).

In some variations, the heat exchanger (120) may comprise at least onesensor (132) in each of the portions of the heat exchanger (120). Forexample, each arm or lobe of the heat exchanger (120) may comprise oneor more sensors (132) (e.g., one temperature sensor, one pressuresensor). In some variations, a temperature sensor may be disposed on anexternal surface of the heat exchanger (120), within the heat exchanger(120), or within a fluid channel of the heat exchanger (120). Forexample, a temperature sensor may be disposed on an interior side of theheat exchanger (120) (e.g., facing the scalp) and a pressure sensor maybe disposed on an exterior side of the heat exchanger. The sensors maybe disposed at a distal end of the arms or lobes. In one instance, thesensors may comprise six temperature sensors coupled to the heatexchanger and an ambient temperature sensor disposed external of thecooling cap assembly. In some variations, the temperature may be a scalptemperature and/or a fluid temperature. In some variations, the one ormore sensors (132) may comprise a radial pattern on the heat exchanger.

In some variations, one or more sensors may be coupled to a controller.The controller may be configured to receive and process the sensormeasurements (e.g., temperature, force) to control the cooling capassembly. For example, inflation pressure of an inflatable member may beadjusted by the controller based on temperature measurements.

In some variations, an inflation pressure of each chamber of aninflatable member (130) may be independently adjusted based on ameasured temperature of one or more of its respective chamber. In somevariations, the measured temperature may be compared to a predeterminedthreshold or target temperature or a predetermined target temperaturerange. For example, in some variations, the target temperature range forthe temperature of a patient's scalp may be from about 3° C. to about 5°C. or from about 16° C. to about 18° C. If one or more of the scalptemperatures exceeds the predetermined threshold and/or is outside ofthe predetermined range, the controller may instruct or otherwisetransmit signals to one or more valves fluidly coupled to the chambersof the inflatable member (130) and/or a pump fluidly coupled to theinflatable member (130) to increase an inflation pressure in one or morechambers. Selectively increasing the inflation pressure in particularchambers may increase the contact area between the scalp and the heatexchanger in the location(s) corresponding to those particular chambers.In this way, the controller, and one or more valves and/or the pumpfluidly coupled to the inflatable member (130) may be configured todynamically control the inflation pressure.

Cooling Unit

As mentioned above, the cooling systems described herein may comprise acooling unit. The cooling unit may be configured to decrease atemperature of a cooling fluid and to transfer the cooled cooling fluidto the cooling cap assembly (e.g., the heat exchanger) to reduce a scalptemperature of a patient using the cooling cap assemblies describedherein. As shown in FIG. 1A, the cooling unit (150) may comprise acompressor and/or a thermoelectric cooling mechanism (152) (e.g., avapor compressor comprising a refrigerant), a reservoir (154), a sensor(156), and a pump (158) (e.g., gear pump). The cooling unit (150) may befluidly coupled to the heat exchanger (120) of the cooling cap assembly(110) and may be configured to circulate a cooling fluid through theheat exchanger (120). In some variations, the fluid may comprise waterand alcohol or liquid water, ice, and salt. For example, the fluid maycomprise a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. In some variations,the ratio of alcohol to water may be from about 5% to about 50%, fromabout 5% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 30%, and from about 5% toabout 25%, including all sub-values and ranges in-between. In somevariations, a composition and ratio of the fluid may be determined basedon a size of the reservoir and/or volume of fluid.

In some variations, the cooling unit (150) may be compact such that thecooling unit (150) may be portable and enable freedom of movement forthe patient. Additionally, in some variations, the cooling unit (150)may comprise a portable power source (e.g., a battery), which may allowa patient to use the cooling system without access to an electricaloutlet. As will be apparent from the description below, the cooling unit(150) enables the cooling systems described herein to be used withoutdry ice, thereby increasing safety and reducing operational complexity.

As mentioned above, the cooling unit (150) may be fluidly coupled to thecooling cap assembly (110). For example, the cooling unit may comprise afluid conduit (not shown) releasably coupled to the heat exchanger(120). For example, the fluid conduit (e.g., tubing assembly, tube) maycomprise a set of flexible, polymeric tubes of a predetermined length,such as, for example, between about 1 foot and about 15 feet. In someinstances, the cooling unit (150) and/or the fluid conduit may compriseone or more valves that may assist in controlling the flow of thecirculating cooling fluid. In some variations, the fluid connector maycomprise one or more of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU). In some variations, the fluid connector may becovered by an outer sheath, which may comprise an insulating fabric(e.g., neoprene) that may be elastic and/or laminated.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a variation of a cooling system (100)comprising a cooling cap assembly (110) and a cooling unit (150). Afluid (162) (e.g., water, water and alcohol) at a first temperature T₁may be output from the cooling unit (150) to the cooling cap assembly(110). A fluid (160) at a second temperature T₂ may be received by thecooling unit (150) from the cooling cap assembly (110). A compressor(152) may be configured to reduce a temperature of circulating fluidreturned from the heat exchanger (120). In some variations, thecompressor (152) may be configured to compress a refrigerant used tocool fluid passing through an expansion chamber. For example, the fluid(160) may be input into the compressor (152), and the compressor (152)may be configured to output a fluid (164) at a temperature T₃, which maybe lower than the temperature T₂. The reservoir (154) may be configuredto hold cooled fluid received from the compressor (152). For example,the reservoir (154) may comprise a container in which the fluid (164)may be stored, and in some variations, the reservoir (154) may compriseice. A flow meter (152) may be disposed in a fluid path between thecompressor (152) and the reservoir (154), and may be configured tomeasure a flow of the fluid in the cooling unit (150). A pump (158) maybe configured to circulate the fluid to and from the cooling capassembly (110). For example, an output of the reservoir (154) may befluidly coupled to the pump (158) configured to pump the fluid (162) ata temperature T₃ into the cooling cap assembly (110).

The sensor (156) may be configured to measure one or more systemparameters such as duration of use, fluid flow, and/or temperature. Forexample, in some variations, the sensor (156) may comprise one or moretemperature sensors, which may be coupled to a fluid flow path between acooling cap assembly (110) and the compressor (152) (e.g., on an inletof the cooling unit (150), between the compressor (152) and thereservoir (154), within the reservoir (154), between the reservoir (154)and the pump (158), on the outlet side of the pump (158), and/or betweenthe outlet of the cooling unit (150) and the cooling cap assembly(110)). The one or more temperature sensors may be configured to measurethe temperature of fluid flowing to, through, or out of the cooling unit(150), for example, temperatures T₁, T₂, and T₃. In some variations, thetemperature sensors may be thermistors or thermocouples housed inliquid-impermeable fittings. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor(156) may comprise a fluid flow sensor, which may be coupled to thefluid flow path between the cooling cap assembly (110) and thecompressor (152) (e.g., on an inlet of the cooling unit (150), betweenthe compressor (152) and the reservoir (154), within the reservoir(154), between the reservoir (154) and the pump (158), on the outletside of the pump (158), and/or between the outlet of the cooling unit(150) and the cooling cap assembly (110)). The fluid flow sensor may beconfigured to measure the flow rate of fluid flowing to, through, or outof the cooling unit (150). Additionally or alternatively, the sensor(156) may comprise or otherwise be communicatively coupled to a timerconfigured to count or otherwise determine a duration of, for example, acooling treatment session, based at least in part on one or more offluid flow, temperature, and power usage measurements.

In some variations, the cooling unit (150) may comprise a controller asdescribed herein to control the flow rate and/or the temperature of thecirculating fluid based on, for example, sensor (156) measurements,sensors in the cooling cap assembly, and/or user input. For example, thecontroller may receive sensor data and alter the output of a coolingunit component, e.g., the pump (158) and/or the compressor (152), basedon the sensor data. As mentioned above, in some variations, the sensor(156) of the cooling unit (150) may comprise a fluid flow sensor (e.g.,a hall-effect sensor) configured to measure a flow rate of fluidcirculating through the cooling unit (150) and cooling cap assemblyand/or a temperature sensor (e.g., thermistor, thermocouple) configuredto measure the temperature of the circulating fluid at various locationsin the cooling system. In particular, in some instances, the controllermay be configured to receive a plurality of temperature measurementsfrom the temperature sensors (in the cooling unit and/or the cooling capassembly) and to calculate a temperature difference (i.e., delta T)between two or more of the temperature measurements (e.g., between afirst temperature and a second temperature measured at differentlocations in the cooling unit (150) and/or the cooling cap assembly(110)). The controller may also be configured to receive fluid flow ratemeasurements from the fluid flow sensor. The controller may beconfigured to compare the temperature measurements, the calculated deltaT, and/or the flow rate measurements to target measurements (e.g.,target temperature, target delta T, target flow rate) and/or a targetrange of measurements, and may adjust one or more components of thecooling unit (150) to achieve a desired result (e.g., a lower coolingfluid temperature, a higher cooling fluid temperature, a lower scalptemperature (as measured by sensors in the cooling cap assembly), ahigher scalp temperature, a lower flow rate, a higher flow rate). Forexample, the controller may adjust the power delivered to the compressor(152) and/or the pump (158) to alter (e.g., increase or decrease) ormaintain the measured temperatures, measured flow rate, and/or delta T.Adjusting the power to the compressor (152) may increase or decrease thetemperature of the cooling fluid exiting the compressor (152) whileadjusting the power to the pump (158) may increase or decrease the flowrate of the cooling fluid in the system. A higher flow rate may begenerally correlated to a lower delta T (as the fluid is exchangedfaster and there is less time for heat exchange between the coolingfluid and the scalp). In some variations, the target temperature rangefor the cooling fluid at the site of cooling (e.g., in the heatexchanger) may be from about 2° C. to about 4° C. and/or the targettemperature range for the cooling fluid in the cooling unit may be fromabout −2° C. to about 2° C. or between about 0° C. to about 2° C. Insome variations, the controller may comprise a timer, and the controllermay be configured to determine the duration of, for example, a coolingtreatment session.

In some variations, the controller may display a graphical userinterface to enable user adjustment of the flow rate and/or temperatureof the circulating fluid. In some variations, the controller may providea user with instructions, via the graphical user interface, to add orremove ice from the reservoir and/or to modify the cooling fluid (e.g.,modify the ratio of water to alcohol) to alter the temperature of thecooling fluid. In some variations, the controller may adjust the powerto the compressor (152) and/or pump (158) in response to user inputreceived via, e.g., the graphical user interface. While described abovein relation to the cooling unit (150), it should be appreciated that thecontroller may be separate from the cooling unit (150), for example, invariations in which the controller is a computing device (e.g., asmartphone, tablet, or the like).

In some variations, the cooling cap assembly (110) and cooling unit(150) may be self-contained, portable, reusable, and configured to beself-operated by a patient (e.g., without assistance from a technician).As mentioned above, in some variations, the cooling unit (150) maycomprise a battery that enables portability and freedom of movement forthe patient.

FIGS. 15A-15K are external views of an illustrative variation of acooling unit (1500). In some variations, the cooling unit (1500) may beself-contained, portable, reusable, and configured to be self-operatedby a patient (e.g., without assistance from a technician). As mentionedabove, in some variations, the cooling unit (1500) may comprise abattery (not sown) that enables portability and freedom of movement forthe patient. The cooling unit (1500) may comprise a housing (1502),wheels (1504), fluid reservoir (1510), latch (1512), fluid connectorport (1520), user interface (1530), and handles (1540, 1542, 1544). Thehousing (1502) may enclose and protect the internal components of thecooling unit (1500) as described herein and, for example, with respectto FIGS. 16A-16D. The handles (1540, 1542, 1544) and wheels (1504) ofthe cooling unit (1500) may enable portability of the cooling unit(1500) as they allow a patient to easily move the cooling unit (1500)from one location (e.g., clinic, office, room) to another (e.g.,transportation, home, another room) while performing a continuouscooling treatment. In some variations, the cooling unit (1500) maycomprise a height adjustable handle (1540) and side handles (1542). Thewheels (1504) may be configured to allow the cooling unit (1500) to rollin any direction. In some variations, the cooling unit (1500) may beconfigured to fit on a floor of a car seat (e.g., behind a driver orfront passenger seat) or on a car seat itself. For example, the coolingunit (1500) may have a width from about 200 mm to about 500 mm, a lengthfrom about 400 mm to about 600 mm, and a height from about 350 mm toabout 500 mm.

In some variations, the cooling unit (1500) may comprise a fluidreservoir (1510) releasably coupled to the housing (1502). In somevariations, the fluid reservoir may be configured to hold from about 0.5L to about 4 L of fluid. For example, the fluid reservoir (1510) may beconfigured to hold about 3 L of fluid. In some embodiments, the fluidreservoir (1510) may have a width from about 100 mm to about 300 mm, alength from about 200 mm to about 300 mm, and a height from about 50 mmto about 150 mm. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir may comprise ahandle (1544) configured to enable a user to separate the fluidreservoir (1510) from the housing (1502) of the cooling unit (1500). Insome variations, the cooling unit (1500) may comprise a latch (1512)configured to releasably engage the fluid reservoir (1510) to thehousing (1502). As shown, for example, in FIGS. 15B-15G, the latch(1512) may comprise a hinge configured to transition between an engagedand disengaged configuration. The latch (1512) may overlie the fluidreservoir (1510) in the engaged configuration to form a fluid seal overan opening of the fluid reservoir (1510). In some variations, the latch(1512) may further comprise an attachment sensor configured to generatean attachment signal when the fluid reservoir (1510) is engaged to thelatch (1512). A controller of the cooling unit (1500) may be configuredto prevent operation if the attachment signal is not received.

In some variations, the cooling unit (1500) may comprise a fluidconnector port (1520). In some variations, the fluid connector port(1520) may comprise a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet configured tofluidly couple the cooling unit (1500) to a heat exchanger (not shown)of a cooling cap. In some variations, fluid connector port (1520) may belocated on an external surface of the housing (1502) to allow easyaccess and visualization confirmation of fluid connection/disconnectionby the patient. In some variations, the cooling unit (1500) may comprisea user interface (1530) configured to display cooling information and/orallow control of the cooling unit (1500).

FIGS. 15L-15N are exploded perspective views of an illustrativevariation of a cooling unit (1500). In particular, FIG. 15N depicts thebattery (1550), condenser (1560), system pump (1570), cooling pump(1580), and temperature sensor (1590).

FIGS. 16A-16D are internal views of an illustrative variation of acooling unit (1600). In some variations, the cooling unit (1600) maycomprise a condenser (1610), cooling pump (1620), system pump (1622),battery (1630), power input (1632), heat exchanger (1640), sensors(1650, 1652, 1654), controller (1660) (e.g., circuit board, processor,memory), and fluid input (1670). The condenser (1610) may be configuredto condense pressurized gas into a liquid vapor. The pump (1620, 1622)may comprise a cooling pump (1620) (e.g., compressor) configured toreduce a temperature of circulating fluid and a system pump (1622)configured to circulate the fluid to and from a cooling cap assembly(not shown). In some variations, the cooling pump (1620) may beconfigured to compress a refrigerant used to cool fluid passing throughan expansion chamber. The fluid input (1670) may be configured toreceive fluid from one or more of a fluid reservoir and cooling capassembly (not shown).

The sensors (1650, 1652, 1654) may be configured to measure one or moresystem parameters such as duration of use, fluid flow, temperature,and/or pressure. For example, in some variations, the sensors maycomprise a fluid flow rate sensor (e.g., a flow meter) (1650), atemperature sensor (1652), and/or a pressure sensor (1654). In somevariations, the system may comprise a plurality of one or more of theabove-mentioned sensors. In variations comprising one or more flow ratesensors (1650), the flow meter (1650) may be configured to measure aflow of the fluid in the cooling unit (1600). In variations comprisingone or more temperature sensors, the temperature sensors (1652) may beconfigured to measure the temperature of fluid flowing to, through, orout of the cooling unit (1600). In some variations, the temperaturesensors may be thermistors or thermocouples housed in liquid-impermeablefittings. In variations comprising one or more pressure sensors, thepressure sensors (1654) may be configured to measure a pressure of thefluid flowing to, through, or out of the cooling unit (1600).

In some variations, the cooling unit (1600) may comprise a controller(1660) as described herein to control the flow rate, pressure, and/orthe temperature of the circulating fluid based on, for example, coolingunit sensor measurements, sensors in the cooling cap assembly, and/oruser input. For example, the controller (1660) may receive sensor dataand alter the output of a cooling unit component, e.g., the pump (1620,1622) based on the sensor data. In particular, in some instances, thecontroller (1660) may be configured to receive a plurality oftemperature measurements from the temperature sensors (in the coolingunit and/or the cooling cap assembly) and to calculate a temperaturedifference (i.e., delta T) between two or more of the temperaturemeasurements (e.g., between a first temperature and a second temperaturemeasured at different locations in the cooling unit (150) and/or thecooling cap assembly (110)). The controller (1660) may also beconfigured to receive fluid flow rate measurements from the fluid flowrate sensor. The controller may be configured to compare the temperaturemeasurements and/or the flow rate measurements to a target and/or targetrange of measurements, and may adjust one or more components of thecooling unit (1600) to achieve a desired result (e.g., a lower coolingfluid temperature, a higher cooling fluid temperature, a lower scalptemperature (as measured by sensors in the cooling cap assembly), ahigher scalp temperature, a lower flow rate, a higher flow rate). Insome variations, the controller (1660) may comprise a timer configuredto count or otherwise determine a duration of, for example, a coolingtreatment session, based at least in part on one or more of fluid flow,pressure, temperature, and power usage measurements.

In some variations, the controller (1660) may control a user interfaceto enable user adjustment of the flow rate and/or temperature of thecirculating fluid. In some variations, the controller (1660) may providea user with instructions, via the graphical user interface to, forexample, add or remove ice from the fluid reservoir and/or to modify thecooling fluid (e.g., modify the ratio of water to alcohol) to alter thetemperature of the cooling fluid. In some variations, the controller mayadjust the power to the condenser (1610) and/or pump (1620, 1622) inresponse to user input received via, e.g., the user interface. Whiledescribed above in relation to the cooling unit (1600), it should beappreciated that the controller may be separate from the cooling unit(1600), for example, in variations in which the controller is acomputing device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or the like).

FIG. 6 is a schematic depiction of the cooling system in use. As shownthere, a patient may use the portable cooling system in conjunction witha chemotherapy treatment session (600). For example, a patient may applythe cooling cap assembly to the patient's head and may couple thecooling cap assembly to the cooling unit without the assistance of amedical professional (e.g., by themselves). In some embodiments, apatient may begin a cooling treatment prior to receiving a chemotherapyinfusion and continue the cooling treatment while receiving achemotherapy infusion. The cooling unit may be configured to be portablein a manner that allows the patient to perform basic activities (e.g.,movement, continence) while receiving cooling treatment. The patient maycontinue to use the cooling system when the chemotherapy session iscompleted (602) by transporting the cooling system to the patient's homeor other destination. Therefore, the patient need not remain at atreatment center to complete the cooling treatment session. The coolingunit may comprise sufficient portability (e.g., having a suitable sizeand weight) for a patient to use while traveling (604), for example,between the patient's home and a chemotherapy treatment center. Thepatient may continue many of their daily activities without interruptionoutside a chemotherapy treatment center (e.g., at a home) while thecooling treatment is being performed (608). In some variations, apatient may control the cooling system using a graphical user interfaceon a computing device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, etc.).

Additionally or alternatively, the cooling unit may be located within amedical cart, a bag, a portable case, or the like, which may comprise ahandle such that it is easy for the patient to transport.

Controller

As mentioned above, one or more of the cooling cap assembly and thecooling unit may comprise a controller. Additionally or alternatively,the system may further comprise a separate controller (e.g. a computingdevice) that may be used in conjunction with the cooling cap assemblyand/or the cooling unit. Generally, the controller described here maycomprise a processor (e.g., CPU) and memory (which can include one ormore non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums). The processormay incorporate data received from memory and over a communicationchannel to control one or more components of the system (e.g., thecooling cap assembly (110), the cooling unit (150, 1600)). For example,in some embodiments, the processor may be configured to control thefluid pump coupled to the inflatable member, the fluid pump (158, 1620,1622) of the cooling unit (150, 1600), and/or the compressor (152) ofthe cooling unit (150, 1600). The memory may further store instructionsto cause the processor to execute modules, processes and/or functionsassociated with the methods described herein. In some variations, thememory and processor may be implemented on a single chip. In othervariations, they can be implemented on separate chips.

A controller may be configured to receive and process sensor data fromthe cooling system and other data (e.g., patient data, therapy data)from other sources (e.g., computing device, database, user input). Thecontroller may be configured to control one or more of inflationpressure of the inflatable member, circulating fluid temperature, andflow rate based on the measured sensor data and/or other data (e.g.,patient data, therapy data, user input). The controller may beconfigured to receive, process, compile, store, and access data. In somevariations, the controller may be configured to access and/or receivedata from different sources. The controller may be configured to receivedata directly input and/or measured from a patient. Additionally oralternatively, the controller may be configured to receive data fromseparate devices (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, computer) and/or from astorage medium (e.g., flash drive, memory card). The controller mayreceive the data through a network connection, as discussed in moredetail herein, or through a physical connection with the device orstorage medium (e.g. through Universal Serial Bus (USB) or any othertype of port). In variations in which the controller is part of acomputing device, the computing device may include any of a variety ofdevices, such as a cellular telephone (e.g., smartphone), tabletcomputer, laptop computer, desktop computer, portable media player,wearable digital device (e.g., digital glasses, wristband, wristwatch,brooch, armbands, virtual reality/augmented reality headset),television, set top box (e.g., cable box, video player, video streamingdevice), gaming system, or the like.

The controller may be configured to receive various types of data. Forexample, the controller may be configured to receive a patient'spersonal data (e.g., gender, weight, birthday, age, height, diagnosis,etc.), general health information, or any other relevant information. Insome variations, the controller may be configured to create, receive,and/or store patient profiles. The patient profiles may contain patientpreferences and/or historical data on treatment sessions (e.g.,treatment session characteristics such as, for example, duration,location, time of day, and day of week or cooling parameters such as,for example, inflation pressures, cooling fluid temperatures, scalptemperatures, and cooling fluid flow rate, from prior treatmentsessions). A patient profile may additionally or alternatively containany of the patient specific information previously described. While theabove mentioned information may be received by the controller, in somevariations, the controller may be configured to process any of the abovedata from information it has received using software stored on thedevice itself, or externally. Moreover, in some variations, thecontroller may be configured to adjust the inflation pressure of theinflatable member, the temperature of the cooling fluid, the flow rateof the cooling fluid, treatment session duration, or other treatmentsession characteristics or cooling parameters based on a combination ofa patient's personal data, general health information, and/or patientprofile in addition to the measurements received from the sensorsdescribed herein.

The processor may be any suitable processing device configured to runand/or execute a set of instructions or code and may include one or moredata processors, image processors, graphics processing units, physicsprocessing units, digital signal processors, and/or central processingunits. The processor may be, for example, a general purpose processor,Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific IntegratedCircuit (ASIC), and/or the like. The processor may be configured to runand/or execute application processes and/or other modules, processesand/or functions associated with the system and/or a network associatedtherewith. The underlying device technologies may be provided in avariety of component types (e.g., metal-oxide semiconductor field-effecttransistor (MOSFET) technologies like complementary metal-oxidesemiconductor (CMOS), bipolar technologies like emitter-coupled logic(ECL), polymer technologies (e.g., silicon-conjugated polymer andmetal-conjugated polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital,and/or the like.

In some variations, the memory may include a database (not shown) andmay be, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, ahard drive, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), anelectrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory(ROM), Flash memory, and the like. The memory may store instructions tocause the processor to execute modules, processes, and/or functionsassociated with the communication device cooling unit control, inflationcontrol, and/or communication. Some variations described herein relateto a computer storage product with a non-transitory computer-readablemedium (also may be referred to as a non-transitory processor-readablemedium) having instructions or computer code thereon for performingvarious computer-implemented operations. The computer-readable medium(or processor-readable medium) is non-transitory in the sense that itdoes not include transitory propagating signals per se (e.g., apropagating electromagnetic wave carrying information on a transmissionmedium such as space or a cable). The media and computer code (also maybe referred to as code or algorithm) may be those designed andconstructed for the specific purpose or purposes.

Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are notlimited to, magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, andmagnetic tape; optical storage media such as Compact Disc/Digital VideoDiscs (CD/DVDs); Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD-ROMs), andholographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as opticaldisks; solid state storage devices such as a solid state drive (SSD) anda solid state hybrid drive (SSHD); carrier wave signal processingmodules; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store andexecute program code, such as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits(ASICs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM), andRandom-Access Memory (RAM) devices. Other variations described hereinrelate to a computer program product, which may include, for example,the instructions and/or computer code disclosed herein.

The systems, devices, and/or methods described herein may be performedby software (executed on hardware), hardware, or a combination thereof.Hardware modules may include, for example, a general-purpose processor(or microprocessor or microcontroller), a field programmable gate array(FPGA), and/or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).Software modules (executed on hardware) may be expressed in a variety ofsoftware languages (e.g., computer code), including C, C++, Java®,Python, Ruby, Visual Basic®, and/or other object-oriented, procedural,or other programming language and development tools. Examples ofcomputer code include, but are not limited to, micro-code ormicro-instructions, machine instructions, such as produced by acompiler, code used to produce a web service, and files containinghigher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using aninterpreter. Additional examples of computer code include, but are notlimited to, control signals, encrypted code, and compressed code.

In some variations, the controller may further comprise a communicationdevice configured to permit a patient and/or health care professional tocontrol one or more components of the cooling unit and/or cooling capassembly. The communication device may comprise a network interfaceconfigured to connect the controller to another system (e.g., Internet,remote server, database) by wired or wireless connection. In somevariations, the controller may be in communication with other devicesvia one or more wired and/or wireless networks. In some variations, thenetwork interface may comprise a radiofrequency receiver, transmitter,and/or optical (e.g., infrared) receiver and transmitter configured tocommunicate with one or more devices and/or networks. The networkinterface may communicate by wires and/or wirelessly.

The network interface may comprise RF circuitry configured to receiveand send RF signals. The RF circuitry may convert electrical signalsto/from electromagnetic signals and communicate with communicationsnetworks and other communications devices via the electromagneticsignals. The RF circuitry may comprise well-known circuitry forperforming these functions, including but not limited to an antennasystem, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or moreoscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a subscriberidentity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth.

Wireless communication through any of the computing and measurementdevices may use any of plurality of communication standards, protocolsand technologies, including but not limited to, Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speeddownlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA),Evolution, Data-Only (EV-DO), HSPA, HSPA+, Dual-Cell HSPA (DC-HSPDA),long term evolution (LTE), near field communication (NFC), wideband codedivision multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA),time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity(WiFi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n,and the like), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocolfor e-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or postoffice protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messagingand presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for InstantMessaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messagingand Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS), or anyother suitable communication protocol. In some variations, the devicesherein may directly communicate with each other without transmittingdata through a network (e.g., through NFC, Bluetooth, WiFi, RFID, andthe like).

The communication device may further comprise a user interfaceconfigured to permit a user (e.g., patient, predetermined contact suchas a partner, family member, health care professional, etc.) to controlthe controller. The communication device may permit a user to interactwith and/or control a controller directly and/or remotely. For example,a user interface of the controller may include an input device for auser to input commands and an output device for a user to receiveoutput.

In some variations, an output device may comprise a display devicecomprising at least one of a light emitting diode (LED), liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), electroluminescent display (ELD), plasma display panel(PDP), thin film transistor (TFT), organic light emitting diodes (OLED),electronic paper/e-ink display, laser display, and/or holographicdisplay.

In some variations, a user may communicate with other users using theaudio device and a communication channel. For example, a user may forman audio communication channel (e.g., VoIP call) with a remote healthcare professional. In some variations, an audio device may comprise atleast one of a speaker, piezoelectric audio device, magnetostrictivespeaker, and/or digital speaker.

In some variations, the user interface may comprise an input device(e.g., touch screen) and an output device (e.g., a display). Forexample, user control of an input device (e.g., keyboard, buttons, touchscreen) may be received by the user interface and may then be processedby processor and memory for the user interface to output a controlsignal to the cooling unit (150). Some variations of an input device maycomprise at least one switch configured to generate a control signal.For example, an input device may comprise a touch surface for a user toprovide input (e.g., finger contact to the touch surface) correspondingto a control signal. For example, a user may input a command to beginand stop cooling treatment, increase or decrease inflation pressure,increase or decrease fluid temperature, and/or set a cooling treatmentsession duration.

An input device comprising a touch surface may be configured to detectcontact and movement on the touch surface using any of a plurality oftouch sensitivity technologies including capacitive, resistive,infrared, optical imaging, dispersive signal, acoustic pulserecognition, and surface acoustic wave technologies. In variations of aninput device comprising at least one switch, a switch may comprise, forexample, at least one of a button (e.g., hard key, soft key), touchsurface, keyboard, analog stick (e.g., joystick), directional pad,mouse, trackball, jog dial, step switch, rocker switch, pointer device(e.g., stylus), motion sensor, image sensor, and microphone. A motionsensor may receive user movement data from an optical sensor andclassify a user gesture as a control signal. A microphone may receiveaudio data and recognize a user voice as a control signal.

A haptic device may be incorporated into one or more of the input andoutput devices to provide additional sensory output (e.g., forcefeedback) to the user. For example, a haptic device may generate atactile response (e.g., vibration) to confirm user input to an inputdevice (e.g., touch surface). As another example, haptic feedback maynotify that user input is overridden by the controller.

Network

In some variations, the devices and systems described herein may be incommunication with other devices (e.g., within the system, outside thesystem) or systems via, for example, one or more networks, each of whichmay be any type of network (e.g., wired network, wireless network). Thecommunication may or may not be encrypted. A wireless network may referto any type of digital network that is not connected by cables of anykind. Examples of wireless communication in a wireless network include,but are not limited to cellular, radio, satellite, and microwavecommunication. However, a wireless network may connect to a wirednetwork in order to interface with the Internet, other carrier voice anddata networks, business networks, and personal networks. A wired networkis typically carried over copper twisted pair, coaxial cable and/orfiber optic cables. There are many different types of wired networkscomprising wide area networks (WAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN),local area networks (LAN), Internet area networks (IAN), campus areanetworks (CAN), global area networks (GAN), like the Internet, andvirtual private networks (VPN). Hereinafter, network refers to anycombination of wireless, wired, public and private data networks thatare typically interconnected through the Internet, to provide a unifiednetworking and information access system.

Cellular communication may encompass technologies such as GSM, PCS, CDMAor GPRS, W-CDMA, EDGE or CDMA2000, LTE, WiMAX, and 5G networkingstandards. Some wireless network deployments combine networks frommultiple cellular networks or use a mix of cellular, Wi-Fi, andsatellite communication.

Methods

Also described here are methods for assembling a cooling cap assemblyand for cooling a scalp using the systems and devices described herein.The methods of cooling a scalp of a head described herein may reduce,prevent, or assist in preventing hair loss, for example, resultant fromchemotherapy. For example, the methods may increase heat transferbetween a cooling cap assembly and a scalp of a patient and thus mayimprove the effectiveness of a scalp cooling treatment. As anotherexample, the methods may increase user compliance with a coolingtreatment therapy regimen. In some variations, methods may include useof a cooling cap assembly and a cooling unit that may be configured toprovide a closed-loop feedback system for responsive cooling. In thesevariations, the methods may include adjusting one or more of aninflation pressure of an inflatable member, a temperature of a coolingfluid, and a cooling fluid flow rate based on sensor measurements, via,for example, a controller. Additionally or alternatively, methods mayinclude adjusting one or more of the above mentioned parameters based onuser input.

Assembling a Cooling Cap Assembly

Generally, methods of assembling a cooling cap assembly may comprisewrapping a heat exchanger around a portion of a head (e.g., a scalp, aportion of a scalp) and placing a compression assembly over the heatexchanger and onto the head. FIGS. 2I-2L are plan views of one variationof the assembly steps for applying a heat exchanger (200) to the scalpof a patient. The heat exchanger (200) is depicted separately from apatient's head for clarity. FIG. 2H depicts the exterior side of theheat exchanger in a spread out configuration where the interior side maybe placed on top of a patient's head. The base portion (210) may bealigned with the neck and/or rear head of the patient with the topportion (221) laid over the top ridge and/or forefront of the head. Whenplaced on a patient's head, the side portions (231, 241) may drape overthe left and right hemispheres of the head. As shown in FIG. 2I, thefirst and second lobes (220, 222) of the top portion (221) may beflipped over the base portion (210). The ends of the first side portion(230) and second side portion (240) may be overlapped and held together,as shown in FIG. 2J, such that the side portions form an ovoid shape. Afirst lobe (220) of the top portion may be folded over at least aportion of the first side portion (230) and second side portion (240),as depicted in FIG. 2K. Then, as shown in FIG. 2L, a second side lobe(222) of the top portion may be folded over at least a portion of thetop portion (220), first side portion (230), and second side portion(240). Fasteners may secure the overlapped portions to one another suchthat the heat exchanger forms a cap-like (e.g., semi-spherical) shapethat may generally conform to the scalp of a patient. Additionally oralternatively, one or more of the assembly steps may be performedseparately from the head, such as on a table or other surface, and theheat exchanger may be placed on the patient's head after partial or fullassembly. Optionally, the patient may further adjust (e.g., tighten) theportions of the heat exchanger to optimize contact area and comfortafter placement on the head.

FIGS. 7A-7F are a schematic depiction of a variation of a method ofassembling a cooling cap assembly. In the variation depicted in FIGS.7A-7F, the method may comprise forming a cooling cap assembly on head ofa patient, by, for example, placing a liner on a scalp of a patient(700), wrapping a heat exchanger around a portion of the scalp (702),and applying a compression assembly over the heat exchanger (704, 706).The method of forming the cooling cap assembly may further compriseapplying a cover over the compression assembly (708). While applicationof the compression assembly (e.g., an inflatable member and anenclosure) and the cover are depicted as separate steps (704-708), itshould be appreciated that in some variations, the compression assemblyand the cover may be coupled to one another (e.g., using snaps, buckles,bonding, hook and loop fasteners, or the like) such that they may beapplied in a single step.

More specifically, in variations in which the cooling cap assemblycomprises a liner, the method may begin by placing the liner around aportion of the head, for example, around a patient's scalp. The heatexchanger may be positioned on top of the liner (702) and thecompression assembly may be placed on the head and over the wrapped heatexchanger such that the heat exchanger is disposed between the liner andthe compression assembly. In variations in which a liner is not used,the heat exchanger may be placed in direct contact with the patient'sscalp and may be disposed between the surface of the patient's scalp andthe compression assembly. In particular, the inflatable member, whichmay be coupled to the enclosure (e.g., outer member, outer shell), maybe placed over the heat exchanger (704) such that the heat exchanger isdisposed between the inflatable member and the liner or the surface ofthe patient's scalp. In variations in which the cover is fixed to theenclosure, the cover may be placed on the patient's head in conjunctionwith the inflatable member and the enclosure. In other variations inwhich the cover is not originally fixed to the enclosure, the cover maybe applied to the patient's head over the compression assembly. Methodsmay further comprise releasably coupling the cooling cap assembly to apatient's head using a fastener (e.g., a chin strap with a buckle, ahook, Velcro®, or the like.). FIG. 7F illustrates a partial cut-outcross-section of the cooling cap assembly (710) after application to, orassembly on, a head of a patient.

As mentioned above, in some variations, wrapping a heat exchanger arounda portion of the scalp (702) may comprise fully or partially assemblingthe heat exchanger while it remains off of a patient's head, placing thefully or partially assembled heat exchanger on the head, and optionallyadjusting the partially or fully assembled heat exchanger. In othervariations, wrapping a heat exchanger around a portion of the scalp(702) may comprise partially or fully assembling the heat exchangerwhile the heat exchanger is on the patient's head.

In some variations, the heat exchanger may be separate from, but mayreleasably couple to, the compression assembly. In these variations, theheat exchanger may be removed from the head using the compressionassembly. That is, the heat exchanger may form a friction fit with theinflatable member such that the compression assembly and the heatexchanger may be removed from a patient's head as a single piece. Theheat exchanger may be placed back on the scalp using the compressionassembly during future treatment sessions. In variations comprising acover, the cover may also assist in removing from, securing, andre-applying the heat exchanger to a patient's head. In some variations,there may be a friction fit between the compression assembly and atleast one other component of a cooling cap assembly (e.g., heatexchanger, cover) to reduce the number of disassembly steps. Forexample, the heat exchanger, compression assembly, and cover may beremoved together from a patient's head in a single piece, therebyleaving just a liner on the patient's scalp. This single unit coolingcap assembly may then be placed back onto the patient's head to performanother cooling treatment session. Having previously adjusted and fittedthe heat exchanger and inflatable member to the patient's anatomy, theassembled cooling cap assembly may be simply placed on top of thepatient's head with minimal readjustment.

FIGS. 8A-8E are perspective views of another variation of a cooling capassembly process. In this variation, a cover may be opened to receivethe compression assembly (800). In particular, the enclosure or outershell may be placed into a cavity of the cover (802). The inflatablemember may be pre-shaped and placed into the outer shell or may beshaped through placement into the outer shell (804). The heat exchangermay be assembled and placed into the cavity of cover and the enclosureadjacent to the inflatable member (808). As described above, the heatexchanger may comprise a base portion, a top portion, a first sideportion, and a second side portion. During assembly of the heatexchanger, the ends of the first side portion and the second sideportion may be placed over one another. Similarly, an end of the topportion may be placed over the ends of the first side portion and thesecond side portion so as to surround at least the portion of the scalpwhen placed thereon.

FIGS. 9A-9F are perspective views of yet another variation of a coolingcap assembly process. FIGS. 9A and 9B show a patient (900) and a liner(901) covering a portion of the head (902). A heat exchanger (905) maybe wrapped around the head (904) over the liner (901), as shown in FIG.9C. The heat exchanger (905) may comprise a plurality of sensors (920),which may be communicatively coupled (e.g., wired, wirelessly) to acontroller (950). An inflatable member (907) may be placed over the heatexchanger (906) and a set of fluid conduits (908) may be coupled to theinflatable member (907). As shown in FIGS. 9D and 9E, the inflatablemember (907) may comprise a plurality of independently inflatablechambers. FIG. 9F is an exploded schematic view of a cooling capassembly process (910). The controller (950) may be configured tocontrol circulating fluid through the heat exchanger (905) and/orinflation pressure of the inflatable member (907). The fluid conduits(908) may be coupled between the inflatable member (907) and a valve(940) controlled by the controller (950). The valve (940) may be coupledto a pump (not shown). As shown in FIG. 9F, the liner (901) may beplaced directly on the scalp, with the heat exchanger (905) and theinflatable member (907) placed concurrently or sequentially thereon.

Using a Cooling System

Generally, methods of using a cooling cap assembly or cooling systemdescribed herein may comprise forming a cooling cap assembly on apatient's head, inflating an inflatable member, and circulating cooledfluid through the cooling cap assembly (e.g., the heat exchanger). Insome variations, methods may further comprise controlling an inflationpressure of the cooling cap assembly, a temperature of a cooling fluid,and/or a flow rate of a cooling fluid. In some variations, a closed-loopfeedback system may be used to dynamically control fluid temperature,fluid flow rate, and/or inflation pressure (i.e., to controlcompression) to optimize the cooling treatment.

As described in more detail above, forming a cooling cap assembly maycomprise placing a liner on a scalp of a patient, wrapping a heatexchanger around a portion of the scalp, and applying a compressionassembly over the heat exchanger. A cover may be fitted over thecompression assembly and the cover may be fastened to the patient using,for example, a chin strap. A cooling fluid conduit may be used to couplethe heat exchanger to a cooling unit and an inflation fluid conduit maybe used to couple the inflatable member to a fluid pump (e.g., air pumpsuch as air bulb).

The inflatable member may be inflated (i.e., transitioned from adeflated to an inflated configuration) to compress the heat exchangerbetween the inflatable member and the scalp (e.g., through the liner).In some variations, transitioning the inflatable member from a deflatedto an inflated configuration may increase a force (e.g., pressure)applied to the head by the heat exchanger. A counter pressure may begenerated using the enclosure (e.g., outer member) when the inflatablemember is in an inflated configuration. Compression of from about 0.1lb/in² to about 10 lb/in² may be generated to the head when theinflatable member is in an inflated configuration. In some variations,compression of from about 0.1 lb/in² to about 8.0 lb/in², from about 0.1lb/in² to about 5.0 lb/in², from about 0.1 lb/in² to about 3.0 lb/in²,from about 0.1 lb/in² to about 2.0 lb/in², from about 0.1 lb/in² toabout 1.0 lb/in², from about 0.5 lb/in² to about 8.0 lb/in², from about0.5 lb/in² to about 5.0 lb/in^(2,) from about 0.5 lb/in² to about 3.0lb/in², from about 0.5 lb/in² to about 2.0 lb/in², about 1.5 lb/in² toabout 2.5 lb/in², or from about 0.5 lb/in² to about 1.0 lb/in² may begenerated to the head when the inflatable member is in an inflatedconfiguration. The inflatable member may be inflated with any suitablefluid, for example a gas (e.g., air) or a liquid (e.g., water). In somevariations, the inflatable member may be inflated using a hand pump,while in other variations the inflatable member may be inflated using anelectric pump, for example, in the cooling unit.

Circulating cooling fluid through the cooling cap assembly may comprisecirculating fluid at a temperature of from about −10° C. to about 5° C.through the heat exchanger using the cooling unit. In some variations,the fluid may be from about −2° C. to about 2° C. or from about −2° C.to about 4° C. The fluid may be circulated through the heat exchangerfor the duration of the treatment session. The treatment session mayinclude a pre-cooling portion before administration of a chemotherapytreatment, a transition portion in which a patient is traveling toreceive a chemotherapy treatment, a chemotherapy portion in which thepatient is receiving a chemotherapy treatment, a second transitionportion in which a patient is traveling to another location (e.g., home)from the chemotherapy treatment, and a post-cooling portion in which thepatient is continuing to cool the scalp for a period of time after achemotherapy treatment. The patient may receive cooling treatmentthroughout each portion of a treatment session. In some variations, thefluid may be circulated for about 45 minutes to 10 hours, about 1 hourto about 8 hours, about 1 hour to about 6 hours, or about 1 hour toabout 4 hours. The cooling system may be plugged into an electricaloutlet during one or more portions of the treatment session (e.g., thepre-cooling portion, the chemotherapy portion, and the post-coolingportion), but need not be plugged into an electrical outlet during thetransition portions. Put another way, the cooling unit may be batterypowered during the transition portions (e.g., patient traveling from onelocation to another location) of a cooling treatment session. After thepatient finishes a cooling treatment session, the cooling cap assemblymay be removed from the head and stored for later use. In somevariations, methods may further comprise re-applying the cooling capassembly to the scalp and re-circulating cooling fluid as describedabove

In some variations, a cooling unit may be operated in one of a pluralityof operation states (e.g., full power, reduced power, battery power)with different functionality based on an available power source. Forexample, a pump and compressor may be turned on when at full power whenthe cooling unit is plugged into an AC power source while only a pumpmay be active when the cooling unit is in a battery power mode. FIG. 17is a state diagram showing an illustrative method of controlling acooling unit as described herein. In some variations, a cooling process(1700) may comprise a power OFF state (1702) in which a pump andcompressor of a cooling unit is off (e.g., not receiving power).Consequently, the cooling unit may be inhibited from circulating fluidand/or providing cooled fluid to a cooling cap assembly. A patient oruser may input a power ON signal (e.g., press a power button) toactivate the cooling unit. In response, the controller may determinethat the system transitions from a power OFF state (1702) to a power ONstate (1704) (e.g., Power up state). In response to the power ON state(1704), the controller of the system may identify an active power sourceused to energize the cooling unit. The system may determine totransition from the power ON state (1704) to a full power state (1706)when the system first receives mains power (1722) (e.g., mains power OK,AC power supply). Mains power corresponds to, for example, wall powerfrom an electric utility. In the full power state (1706), a cooling unitpump is on (e.g., active), and a cooling unit compressor may be operatedat full power. For example, the cooling unit may be operated without anypower restrictions or loss of functionality (e.g., control loop active).For example, an active control loop may comprise closed-loop temperaturefeedback. In some variations, a cooling unit battery may be rechargedwhile in the full power state (1706).

The system may determine to transition from the power ON state (1704) orthe full power state (1706) to a partial power state (1708) when thesystem is receiving auxiliary power and is not receiving mains power(1724) (e.g., auxiliary power OK). For example, the cooling unit in thepartial power state (1708) may receive auxiliary power from a DC sourcesuch as a car battery. In the partial power state (1708), a cooling unitpump is on (e.g., active), and a cooling unit compressor may be operatedin a reduced power state (e.g., about 50% to about 80% of full powerstate). For example, the cooling unit may be operated up to apredetermined power level with closed-loop control.

The system may determine to transition from the power ON state (1704) toa battery power state (1710) when the system is receiving cooling unitbattery power and not receiving mains power or auxiliary power (1730)(e.g., battery OK, no mains or aux power). In the battery power state(1710), a cooling unit pump is on (e.g., active), and the cooling unitcompressor is off. Therefore, fluid may be circulated but not activelycooled by the cooling unit. In some variations, sensor measurements maybe performed without active closed-loop control (e.g., control loopmonitoring only).

The system may determine to transition from the partial power state(1708) to the full power state (1706) when the system is receiving mainspower and not receiving auxiliary power (1730) (e.g., mains power OK, noaux power). The system may determine to transition from the partialpower state (1708) to the battery power state (1710) when the system isnot receiving mains or auxiliary power (1728) (e.g., no mains or auxpower).

The system may determine to transition from the battery power state(1710) to the partial power state (1708) when the system receivesauxiliary power and is not receiving mains power (1724) (e.g., no mainspower, aux power OK). The system may determine to transition from thebattery power state (1710) to the full power state (1706) when thesystem receives mains power (1722) (e.g., mains power OK). The systemmay determine to transition from the battery power state (1710) to thepower OFF state (1702) when the battery reaches a predetermined powerlevel (1732) (e.g., battery low).

The system may determine to transition from the full power state (1706)to the battery power state (1710) when the system is not receiving mainsor auxiliary power (1728) (e.g., no mains or aux power). The system maydetermine to transition from any of the power states (except the powerOFF state) to a power OFF state (1702) when a patient or user inputs apower off signal (e.g., press a power button).

As mentioned above, in some variations, the methods described here maycomprise controlling or otherwise adjusting (e.g., manually orautomatically) an inflation pressure of the cooling cap assembly, atemperature of a cooling fluid, and/or a flow rate of a cooling fluid.In some variations, the cooling unit may comprise a user interfacethrough which the patient may control one or more of the cooling unit(e.g., inflatable member pump, circulating fluid pump) and cooling capassembly. Additionally or alternatively, the patient may control thetemperature and/or flow rate of the circulating fluid and/or aninflation pressure of the compression assembly using a graphical userinterface (GUI) displayed on a computing device such as a smartphone ortablet. For example, the GUI may output sensor measurements includingtemperature, force, inflation pressure, and fluid flow rate generated bythe various sensors of the system.

In some variations, a controller may dynamically control treatment time,inflation pressure, fluid temperature, and/or fluid flow rate. Forexample, the controller may instruct or otherwise transmit signals tothe cooling unit (e.g., one or more pumps, compressor) to alter one ormore cooling parameters (e.g., flow rate of cooling fluid, temperatureof cooling fluid, inflation pressure of one or more chambers of aninflatable member). In some variations, the patient may be notified whenone or more temperature measurements exceed predetermined thresholds andmay be provided the option to adjust one or more cooling treatmentparameters using, for example, a computing device or the user interfaceon the cooling unit.

As an example, in one variation, the method may comprise circulatingfluid through the heat exchanger coupled to a scalp of a patient andadjusting a cooling parameter of the cooling system based on one or moretemperature and/or force measurements. In some variations, adjusting thecooling parameter may comprise manually adjusting the cooling parameter(e.g., inflation pressure, temperature of cooling fluid, flow rate ofcooling fluid). In these variations, the patient may control one or moreof the cooling parameters using the graphical user interface of acontroller (e.g., mobile phone, tablet). In some of these variations, apatient may be notified using the graphical user interface to manuallymodify (e.g., increase) an inflation pressure of a cooling cap assemblyby manually actuating a pump in response to a measured temperatureand/or force. For example, an animation of a hand squeezing a pump maybe displayed on a display of a patient's computing device when anaverage measured temperature exceeds a predetermined temperaturethreshold.

Additionally or alternatively, adjusting the cooling parameters maycomprise using the controller to dynamically (e.g., automatically)adjust one or more cooling parameters based on one or more of themeasured temperatures and/or forces (e.g., a single temperature/forcemeasurement, an average of a plurality of temperature/forcemeasurements) and predetermined temperature and/or force thresholds,maximums, targets, or ranges. For example, in the variation in whichdynamic control is utilized, if an average measured temperature exceedsa predetermined temperature threshold, the controller may increase theinflation pressure of an inflatable member using, for example, one ormore fluid valves and/or a fluid pump coupled to the inflatable memberas described in more detail above. If a measured inflation pressureexceeds a predetermined pressure threshold, the controller may decreasethe inflation pressure until the inflation pressure is within a suitablerange. If the measured inflation pressure is within a target range, thecontroller may maintain the inflation pressure within that range.Additionally or alternatively, if one or more temperatures (e.g., atemperature of the cooling fluid measured within the cooling unit, atemperature of the cooling fluid measured within the heat exchanger,temperature measured on or at a patient's scalp, an average of severaltemperatures measured on or at a patient's scalp, a calculated delta Tbetween any of the aforementioned temperatures) is above or below atarget value and/or outside of a target range, the controller may adjustone or more parameters of the cooling system to adjust (e.g., increaseor decrease) the heat transfer between the cooling cap assembly and thepatient's scalp. For example, the controller may adjust the temperatureof the circulating cooling fluid by adjusting the power of thecompressor of the cooling unit and/or may adjust the flow rate of thecooling fluid by adjusting the power of the cooling fluid pump in thecooling unit until the temperature reaches the target, surpasses athreshold value, is below a maximum value, or is within a target range.In some variations, the patient may be notified audibly and/or visuallywhen the controller alters one or more of the inflation pressure, fluidtemperature, and fluid flow rate so as to reduce surprise or anxiety.

In some variations, the method may further comprise independentlyadjusting an inflation pressure of a plurality of chambers (e.g., eachchamber) of the inflatable member based on a set of measuredtemperatures. For example, an inflation pressure of in a chamber of theinflatable member may be increased when a measured temperature or anaverage of measured temperatures of a corresponding portion of the heatexchanger exceeds a predetermined maximum temperature. As anotherexample, a measured temperature of a first arm or lobe of a heatexchanger may exceed a predetermined maximum temperature such that thecontroller may adjust one or more valves and/or a fluid pump to inflatethe chamber of the inflatable member corresponding to the arm or lobe.In these variations, additional cooling may be precisely targeted on thepatient's head. Once the measured temperature of the arm or lobe reducesto below the predetermined threshold, the controller may maintain thepressure of the chamber or may deflate the chamber to a predeterminedpressure.

In some variations, methods may further comprise generating a patientprofile for each patient. The patient profile may comprise a set ofcooling treatment protocols that may be executed for a variety ofpatient scenarios. For example, a quiet treatment protocol may reducethe power consumption of the cooling unit such that noise is reduced. Amaximum cooling treatment protocol may apply a predetermined maximumcompression to a heat exchanger and set the circulating fluid to apredetermined maximum flow rate in order to maximize heat transfer. Insome variations, a patient may personalize the treatment protocolsand/or the system may adjust preset treatment protocols based on patientinformation input into the system. The patient may further be providedreal-time control of treatment parameters such as treatment time,inflation pressure, fluid temperature, and fluid flow rate. Moreover,the GUI may include visual instructions on how to assemble or wrap theheat exchanger, assemble and disassemble the cooling cap assembly fromthe patient's head, as well as how to operate the cooling unit andperform a cooling treatment session. For example, in some variations,the GUI may provide a series of visual and/or audible (e.g., spoken)prompts that instruct a user how to assemble the heat exchanger, how toassemble and/or disassemble the cooling cap assembly, and/or how toperform a cooling treatment session.

EXAMPLES

FIG. 10 is a set of graphs of sensor and power measurements of onevariation of a cooling cap assembly. As shown in FIG. 10 , parametersincluding coolant flow (1000), temperature change (1002), power (1004)(i.e., extracted power, used power) may be plotted against time. Anarray of temperature sensors (1008) may be placed over a head with thetemperature (1006) of each sensor plotted against time. At time point Aof FIG. 10 , pre-cool full power is applied. At time point B, a coolingcap assembly powered by a 40 W load may be applied to a head of apatient. At time point C, an inflatable member of the cooling capassembly may be inflated to increase the contact area between the heatexchanger and the patient's scalp. For example, the inflatable membermay be inflated to increase compression to the head. At time point D,the speed of a compressor may be reduced in order to reduce noise andincrease patient comfort. As the fluid within the heat exchanger reducesin temperature and the contact area between the cooling cap and thescalp increases, the fluid flow through the heat exchanger may bedecreased while at least maintaining an effectiveness of coolingtherapy. At time point E, the system may be turned off. Between timepoints C and E, steady state may be achieved where all 40 W are removed.

The specific examples and descriptions herein are exemplary in natureand variations may be developed by those skilled in the art based on thematerial taught herein without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, which is limited only by the attached claims.

We claim:
 1. A cooling cap assembly comprising: a heat exchangerconfigured to be wrapped around a head of a patient; and a compressionassembly releasably coupled to the heat exchanger, wherein thecompression assembly comprises an enclosure and an inflatable membercoupled to an internal surface of the enclosure, wherein when coupled,the inflatable member is positioned between the enclosure and the heatexchanger, and wherein the heat exchanger is separate from and moveablerelative to the inflatable member.
 2. The cooling cap assembly of claim1, wherein the inflatable member comprises a deflated configuration andan inflated configuration, and wherein transitioning the inflatablemember from the deflated to the inflated configuration increases apressure applied to the head of the patient.
 3. The cooling cap assemblyof claim 1, further comprising a fluid pump coupled to the inflatablemember.
 4. The cooling cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the enclosure isconfigured to generate a counter pressure when the inflatable member isin the inflated configuration.
 5. The cooling cap assembly of claim 1,wherein the compression assembly is configured to generate from about0.5 lb/in² to about 5 lb/in² of compression to the head when theinflatable member is in the inflated configuration.
 6. The cooling capassembly of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member comprises a topinflatable portion, a first inflatable side portion, and a secondinflatable side portion, wherein each portion comprises a chamber. 7.The cooling cap assembly of claim 6, wherein a length of the firstinflatable side portion and a length of the second inflatable sideportion are each more than a length of the top inflatable portion. 8.The cooling cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the side inflatableportions of the inflatable member are configured to adjustably overlapso as to surround at least a portion of the head.
 9. The cooling capassembly of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member comprises a fluidbarrier.
 10. The cooling cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the inflatablemember comprises one or more slits configured to aid in one or more ofthe folding, shaping, and overlapping of different portions of theinflatable member.
 11. The cooling cap assembly of claim 1, wherein theinflatable member comprises at least three chambers.
 12. The cooling capassembly of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a set of fluidbarriers, wherein each fluid barrier of the set of fluid barriers isabout 5 mm to about 15 mm from an adjacent fluid barrier in the set offluid barriers.
 13. The cooling cap assembly of claim 12, wherein eachfluid barrier in the set of fluid barriers comprises a diameter of fromabout 5 mm to about 10 mm.
 14. The cooling cap assembly of claim 12,further comprising a temperature sensor positioned within an opening ofat least one fluid barrier of the set of fluid barriers.
 15. The coolingcap assembly of claim 12, wherein at least one fluid barrier of the setof fluid barriers comprises a torus shape.
 16. The cooling cap assemblyof claim 6, wherein each portion of the heat exchanger comprises atleast a portion of a fluid channel.
 17. The cooling cap assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the top portion defines a longitudinal axis, whereinthe first side portion and the second side portion extend from the baseportion at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.
 18. Thecooling cap assembly of claim 11, wherein one or more end portions ofthe heat exchanger are configured to adjustably overlap so as tosurround at least a portion of the head.
 19. The cooling cap assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the heat exchanger comprises one or more fluid channelseach comprising a cross-sectional area of from about 9 mm² to about 100mm².
 20. The cooling cap assembly of claim 1, further comprising: aliner configured to be disposed between the heat exchanger and a scalpof the patient; and a fastener releasably coupled to the compressionassembly and the patient.
 21. The cooling cap assembly of claim 1,further comprising a cooling unit fluidly coupled to the compressionassembly, the cooling unit comprising a fluid connector releasablycoupled to the heat exchanger, a compressor, a reservoir, and a pump.22. The cooling cap assembly of claim 21, wherein the cooling unitcomprises a housing, a battery, and a fluid reservoir releasably coupledto the housing.
 23. The cooling cap assembly of claim 22, wherein thecooling unit is configured to circulate a fluid through the heatexchanger, wherein the fluid comprises one or more of water and salt,water and glycol, and water and alcohol.
 24. A cooling cap assemblycomprising: a heat exchanger configured to be wrapped around a head of apatient; and a compression assembly releasably coupled to the heatexchanger, wherein the compression assembly comprises an enclosure andan inflatable member coupled to an internal surface of the enclosure,wherein when coupled, the inflatable member is positioned between theenclosure and the heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is separatefrom and moveable relative to the inflatable member, and whereintransitioning the inflatable member from a deflated configuration to aninflated configuration increases a contact area between the heatexchanger and to the head of the patient.
 25. A method of cooling ascalp of a head to reduce hair loss resultant from chemotherapycomprising: wrapping a heat exchanger around a portion of the scalp;placing a compression assembly on the head and over the wrapped heatexchanger, wherein the compression assembly comprises a semi-rigid outermember and an inflatable inner member coupled to the outer member; andinflating the inflatable member to compress the heat exchanger betweenthe inflatable member and the scalp.
 26. The method of claim 25, whereinthe heat exchanger is separate from and moveable relative to theinflatable member.